en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Environmental Assessment Service (SEA) is reviewing a batch of infrastructure projects submitted between May and early June, with a total investment of approximately $150 million, primarily focused on road and port expansion works aimed at enhancing operational and logistics capacity.
Three core projects account for a combined investment of $133 million, including the expansion of Route 78, the renovation of Puerto de Coronel, and the life extension of Puerto Terrestre Los Andes.
The General Concessions Directorate of the Ministry of Public Works submitted the Route 78 expansion project this week, which aims to optimize travel times and improve freight and passenger connectivity through new road infrastructure, directly linking to urban port functions. The first phase of the project involves an investment of $65 million to expand the section leading to the city of San Antonio. Works include adding a third lane in both directions of the main road up to the port junction, a new emergency escape lane, and modifications to key intersections such as the Barrancas interchange and the Curicó roundabout. The project also plans to construct new open and closed drains alongside the existing ditch on Barros Luco Avenue; a curved viaduct to provide a grade-separated branch road to the northern area of the Port of San Antonio; and a racetrack-style road system at the Pablo Neruda roundabout. Additionally, the works include the Colinas del Mar Footbridge, installation of permanent noise barriers, landscaping, drainage and sanitation improvements, and new toll gantries. The project is in the admission phase, with a construction period estimated at 36 months and an indefinite design life.
The Port of Coronel has submitted a $35 million renovation project, currently in the qualification review phase. The plan aims to deepen the north and south docks to increase cargo and container throughput, upgrade loading and unloading equipment, reconfigure the logistics center, and expand the IMO area for dangerous goods. Upon completion, the docks will be able to serve vessels with deeper drafts, allowing ships up to 400 meters in length to berth and depart. The estimated annual handling capacity will reach approximately 17 million tons of cargo and about 500,000 TEUs. The expanded IMO area will add 1,672 square meters, bringing the total to 3,822 square meters. Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2027.
The project submitted by Puerto Terrestre Los Andes aims to extend its operational lifespan by 20 years. The plan shows an investment of $33 million in the SEA, involves no new construction, and entails no substantive changes to infrastructure, operational capacity, processes, or logistics services. The inland port received a favorable environmental rating resolution on November 18, 2025, with an original lifespan of 20 years, and is now applying for an additional 20-year extension.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
