Plans are moving forward for two new tunnels linking Chile and Argentina – image courtesy of © Svershinsky, Dreamstime.com
Interest is strong in the projects to build two new tunnels being planned to link Chile and Argentina.
The Los Libertadores Tunnel and Las Leñas Tunnel will provide improve transport connections between Chile and Argentina, helping to boost trade between the two nations. The respective governments of the two countries have agreed on the need for the projects to improve transport and reduce reliance on existing routes that are subject to closure in poor weather.
The new Los Libertadores Tunnel would provide an improved connection compared to the existing tunnel, which is located at altitude and reached by roads that are often closed in winter. Meanwhile, the Las Leñas Tunnel will be at an altitude of around 2,000m and the planned alignment measures 11.5km.
The Chinese contractor, China Gezhouba Group Company Limited (CGGC), is showing interest in both projects. Construction of the two links is expected to cost up to US$3 billion. The plans and necessary approvals should be complete by the end of 2021 with work intended to commence in 2022.
