The Ministry of Public Works has started the tenders for the improvements of Antofagasta and Atacama airports and the Second Concession of Route 5 Temuco-Río Bueno Section in Chile.

A US$316 million investment project involves the enhancement and operation of the Desierto de Atacama and Andrés Sabella airports in the Antofagasta Region. The project timeline includes the Reception of Technical and Economic Offers on April 12, 2024, and the Opening of Economic Offers on May 10, 2024, with the project expected to be awarded in Q3 of 2024. The expansion plan for Atacama Airport in Caldera includes increasing the current area from 2,952 m2 to 18,274 m2 (a 519% increase). For Andrés Sabella Airport in Antofagasta, the surface area will grow from 10,192 m2 to 31,422 m2 (a 208% increase), with additional parking spaces for vehicles and commercial aircraft. The new facilities should come into operation in 2029.

The Second Concession of Route 5 Temuco-Río Bueno Section, involving a US$878 million investment, spans 181.75 km across the La Araucanía and Los Ríos regions. The route passes through multiple communes, including Gorbea, Loncoche, Lanco, Mariquina, Máfil, Los Lagos, Paillaco, La Unión, and Río Bueno. It features a 15.7 km dual carriageway, Baipás Los Lagos, with two lanes in each direction and a design speed of 120 km/hr. The project focuses on enhancing safety and services, introducing a bypass for Los Lagos City, and gradually implementing an electronic payment system. The bidding process is ongoing, with Technical and Economic Offers set for reception on September 13, 2024, and Economic Offers opening on October 11, 2024, aiming for the award in December 2024. The anticipated commencement of new works is slated for 2027, extending through 2033.