en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Virgen de Chapi Bridge (Puente Virgen de Chapi) in Peru, with a total investment exceeding 170 million soles, has been officially put into operation. This bridge is a key component of the Arequipa-La Joya highway and a strategic road infrastructure.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), through the Decentralized Road Administration (PVD), has promoted the implementation of the road component of the Comprehensive Arequipa-La Joya Regional Road Project. This component involves an investment of over 408.7 million soles and plans to build approximately 20.5 kilometers of new infrastructure between the Virgen de Chapi Bridge exit and the La Joya district, utilizing the Tax Engineering Mechanism (OxI).
The Virgen de Chapi Bridge, with a total length of 371 meters, along with its main structure and connecting roads, was constructed by the Regional Government of Arequipa. The bridge strengthens the connection between the Arequipa-La Joya regional road and the southern section of the Pan-American Highway, reducing travel time and improving the transport of people and goods. The section managed by the MTC will further enhance this strategic corridor, transforming it into a high-capacity road serving the logistics and productive development of southern Peru.
Minister of Transport and Communications Aldo Prieto stated that this intervention aims to consolidate the Arequipa-La Joya road into a high-capacity corridor to strengthen regional integration, competitiveness, and logistics development in southern Peru. He noted that every bridge, every highway, and every project is designed to bring opportunities closer, drive development, and improve the quality of life for Peruvian families.
The bidding process for this road section was completed on June 30, 2026, and the winning bidder has been determined. The signing of the investment agreement is preliminarily scheduled for July of this year.
Regional Governor of Arequipa, Rohel Sánchez, announced that construction of the twin tunnels (túneles mellizos) will begin on July 20 under the Tax Engineering model. The tunnel project, with an investment of 113 million soles, is jointly funded by Interbank, Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde, and Yura S.A.
The project will build a two-way divided road with a central median, shoulders, signage, and other safety features. According to the latest technical documents, the construction period is estimated at 570 calendar days, and the project is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2028.
