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The launch of the viaduct connecting the Bicentenario Bridge to Avenida Chacabuco in the Bío Bío Region has been delayed due to unforeseen technical complications. Although the project is 88% complete, the discovery of an old storm drain has forced authorities to extend the construction contract, which was originally set to conclude this coming June.
The discovery occurred during storm drainage work at the intersection of Prat and Chacabuco streets. According to Regional Director of Highways Cristian Delgado, the underground infrastructure was not included in official records, despite being fully operational and estimated to be over 50 years old.
“The fact that it is operational opens up the possibility of finding a solution that makes storm drainage much better than what was initially projected,” Delgado noted regarding the management of the find. This new technical reality has necessitated a redesign of part of the sector's drainage strategy to integrate the old collector into the current network.
The contract extension will not only address the interference caused by the drain but will also be used by the Highway Department to implement additional improvements to the viaduct's structure. Pending tasks include optimizing expansion joints and installing noise barriers and anti-vandalism screens—essential elements for the safety and urban integration of the project.
Due to the scale of these adjustments, authorities have rescheduled the project's delivery. The viaduct, a key piece of infrastructure for connectivity in Concepción, is now expected to be open to vehicle traffic during the final quarter of this year. The Highway Department continues to work on-site to ensure the final project meets the efficiency standards projected following the incorporation of the technical improvements resulting from this discovery.
