The Chilean Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has awarded China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) a contract to develop the Route 5 Chillan - Collipulli highway concession with the contract set to be signed within 3-4 months. 

CRCC beat 2 other bidders to win the contract – Sacyr and Intervial Chile.

The MOP released a statement on 21 September stating that CRCC had submitted the best economic and technical proposal.

CRCC's bid amount was CLF 14.215 million ($528m). The concession will last up to 20 years and includes the O&M of the existing infrastructure.

The most significant improvement required is a new turnoff connecting the highway to Collipulli, built as a 2-lane dual carriageway (with third lanes in high-traffic sections), including a bridge over the Malleco river.

Other improvements include:

• new junctions, footbridges, and route adjustment works
• construction of service lanes, pedestrian infrastructure, and associated lighting
• road widening works to allow for central reservations and hard shoulders
• bridge replacements
• resurfacing works throughout the concession
• implementation of a ‘free flow’ system, eliminating the need for toll booths

Cuadra Gajardo & Asociados Abogados is the legal adviser to CRCC.