The bidding process for the restoration of the Lopetegui and Da Bove mansions—key components of the project for Valdivia's second access bridge—has failed after no bids were submitted by the January 23 deadline.
The Los Ríos Housing and Urban Development Service (SERVIU) reported the outcome in a technical memo sent to the Senate Public Works Committee. The document confirms that the lack of submissions left the process without an awardee, prompting the agency to evaluate new dates for the tender.
These restoration works are mandatory requirements under Environmental Qualification Resolution 43/2020. Although the Lopetegui mansion has already been relocated, its restoration, along with the Da Bove mansion, is essential to meeting the project's environmental regulations.
Archaeological and technical hurdles
Construction progress is also facing technical obstacles on the Valdivia riverbed. According to SERVIU official letter No. 973, the area designated for bridge pier 3 has yet to receive the necessary archaeological clearance.
The site "RÍO VALDIVIA08," which contains underwater cultural heritage elements recorded between 2017 and 2018, was identified in this area. Additionally, an unforeseen discovery during consultancy surveys has necessitated a contract amendment.
Final clearance of the riverbed depends on the approval of a report by the National Monuments Council, a process originally projected for completion by June 2026. The project also faces a pending archaeological rescue of 103 square meters on Isla Teja, related to the Mapuche-Williche cultural component.
The bridge construction will be carried out in stages, following an agreement reached in July 2025 between the Undersecretariats of Public Works (MOP), Housing (MINVU), Interior, and Social Development. Currently, the plan includes tendering for boreholes and complementary studies to reinforce the design and technical feasibility of the infrastructure.