The Chilean Public Works Ministry (MOP) has introduced its preliminary design for two three-lane tunnels stretching 13 km to link Grecia Avenue in the south and El Salto Avenue in the north in the eastern part of Santiago, completing the city's beltway. The project, known as Americo Vespucio Oriente (AVO), will reach 40 m-deep, will cross seven communes and will cost EUR1.3 billion (US$1.9 billion). Chile's public works ministry (MOP) is planning to begin the bidding process by the second quarter of 2012. MOP has prequalified ten consortia to build and operate the highway. Technical bids expected by July, 2013 and concession award by end-2013 with construction starting in 2014. Click here for the map of the planned Vespucio Oriente tollroad. Visit www.mop.cl. 44/11.
