1.6 km north extension to Recoleta between Cal y Canto and Santos Dumont, including crossing under river Mapocho, under construction by Sacyr and Consorcio DPS. 2.2 km south extension to Américo Vespucio between Lo Ovalle and La Cisterna being built by Inela. Single tunnel from station to station, 65 sq m with 45-50 cm-thick lining. Station tunnel is 150 sq m with 60-65 cm-thick lining. Tunnelling method is NATM with wiremesh, shotcrete and bolts every 50 cm through gravel deposits. Average costs amount to US$7,280 per metre for station-to-station tunnels and US$24,810 per metre for the stations. Completion end-2004. Visit www.metro-chile.cl or www.metrosantiago.cl 02/02.
