Progress is being made in Chile for two key mega projects, the Chacao Bridge and the El Melon Tunnel. Chile's Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has ordered the consortium working on the Chacao Bridge project to carry out additional studies. The consortium comprises 5549 Systra, 1511 OAS, Aas-Jakobsen and 236 Hyundai and the project is worth US$511.45 million. The consortium has to respond to observations made by the MOP on the design proposal presented in August 2014. The works to build the bridge now look likely to continue until the end of 2020. This three-month extension is due to a request made by the MOP for the company to submit a 3D model of the bridge, which will connect Chiloe Island to the mainland. The bridge has been long in the planning, with the project having been conceived and then cancelled in the past on grounds of cost. The link will be tolled and will replace a ferry service.
Also in Chile, interest is strong for the El Melon tunnel project, which has received seven tender offers during the second tender process. The project to build the Tunel El Melon road tunnel project is expected to cost $128 million. The work involves the construction of a second tunnel on the Ruta 5 highway, in parallel with the existing tunnel. The project also includes modernising and widening of the existing tunnel to meet current standards. The firms making bids are Concesiones Viarias Chile Tres, Highway Invesment Chile, OHL Concesiones Chile, FCC Construccion, Consorcio Echeverria Izquierdo-Arauco, Sacyr Concesiones Chile and Conpax Energia y Concesiones. The next stage of the tender will be the presentation of the financial offers, which is due to take place on 7th March 2016.
Also in Chile, interest is strong for the El Melon tunnel project, which has received seven tender offers during the second tender process. The project to build the Tunel El Melon road tunnel project is expected to cost $128 million. The work involves the construction of a second tunnel on the Ruta 5 highway, in parallel with the existing tunnel. The project also includes modernising and widening of the existing tunnel to meet current standards. The firms making bids are Concesiones Viarias Chile Tres, Highway Invesment Chile, OHL Concesiones Chile, FCC Construccion, Consorcio Echeverria Izquierdo-Arauco, Sacyr Concesiones Chile and Conpax Energia y Concesiones. The next stage of the tender will be the presentation of the financial offers, which is due to take place on 7th March 2016.
