Wedoany.com Report on Feb 25th, The construction of the U-500 highway at the northern entrance of Osorno City, Chile, has officially commenced. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Public Works Minister Jessica López, Acting Presidential Delegate of the Los Ríos Region Claudia Pailalef, and Osorno Mayor Jaime Bertín. As a core project of the provincial government's infrastructure investment plan, this highway project will significantly enhance the efficiency of the regional transportation network while simultaneously advancing construction in the public welfare sector.
The total investment for the U-500 highway project is nearly 60 billion Chilean pesos, covering approximately 3.7 kilometers from the end of Route 5 to Buin Street. The project consists of three core components: upgrading the existing road into a high-standard dual carriageway; constructing the new Frer Bridge spanning the Damas River; and creating a grade separation via an overpass to connect the U-150 branch line with the main road. Regarding fund allocation, 42 billion pesos are designated for the main road construction, and 15 billion pesos are specifically allocated for land acquisition and resettlement. It is estimated that the construction phase will create about 150 direct jobs per month, with project completion expected in July 2028.
Minister Jessica López emphasized that this highway project is a crucial measure to improve urban transportation, and upon completion, it will reduce travel time between Osorno City and the southern section of Route 5 by 40%. As an important component of the provincial government's infrastructure investment plan, this project will have a synergistic effect with public welfare projects such as rural drinking water projects and fishery wharf upgrades. Mayor Jaime Bertín added that this highway project, prepared for over five years, will not only optimize the travel experience for citizens but also reshape the cityscape with its modern design, injecting new momentum into regional development.
The 215-CH highway maintenance project, launched on the same day, has a total investment exceeding 7 billion Chilean pesos, covering the section from Osorno to the Cardenal Samoré border crossing. Maintenance work includes comprehensive asphalt pavement repair, deep cleaning of the drainage system, and updating of intelligent traffic markings, with completion expected in June 2026. This road project will enhance the transportation safety of the border crossing, providing more reliable traffic support for cross-border trade.
