Chile's road safety drive

In Chile a serious accident has triggered a major assessment of existing safety regulations. The accident involved a collision between a coach and a truck. Although Chile's road network is expanding and the country's strong economy continues to fuel growth in vehicle ownership and use, the country's road safety record is not good. The accident killed 20 people on Chile's Autopista del Sol highway and has initiated a full assessment of existing road safety regulations in the country. 906 Chile's Ministry of Public Works (MOP) is also carrying out a safety assessment of the Autopista del Sol highway. To address the issue the Chilean Government is investing US$311 million in improving safety standards in routes five North and South; Autopista del Sol, route 68 and Los Libertadores road. The funds will be spent between 2010 and 2014. The Autopista del Sol highway has been allocated around $12 million of the funds. Meanwhile repair work on the Ruta 5 highway in central Chile is well on schedule. The repairs are being carried out to alleviate damage caused by the massive earthquake that struck Chile earlier this year and are presently around 58% complete. The Colombian highway operator 1311 ISA that holds the concession for this link is aiming to complete most of the repairs before the end of 2010, although one section will not be ready until January 2011.