The Ministry of Public Works (MOPC) has launched a tender for the USD 416 million Pie de Monte Highway PPP project in the Biobío region, Chile.

The Pie Monte Route is positioned alongside the Nahuelbuta Mountain Range, east of Route 160, linking with the Puente Industrial Road Concession to the north and the Route 160 Concession, Tres Pinos Section – North Access to Coronel to the south. The project entails the development of a road system featuring signage, lighting, elevated crossings at major intersections, and tsunami evacuation routes. This initiative aims to significantly enhance sector connectivity, imparting an urban character to Route 160 while diverting truck and long-distance traffic. This will allow the Biobío Region to be provided with a road alternative to the current Route 160, to decongest the urban area of San Pedro de la Paz and Coronel. Key components include the construction of a dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction, six elevated links, a 300 m-long bridge over Laguna La Posada, seven crossings for transversal road continuity, local road construction, pedestrian sidewalks, elevated intersections (links), underpasses, overpasses, intersections, level accesses, and walkways.

The construction phase is anticipated to commence in the first half of 2029, with operational commencement expected in the second half of 2032.