MOPTT declares Viña hwy project is in public interest

Chile's public works ministry (MOPTT) has declared the Valparaíso-Reñaca expressway project as being of "public interest," which will bring the project closer to fruition, MOPTT public relations official Valentina Flores told BNamericas. "The ministry now plans to carry out feasibility studies to then offer the project under a concessions contract," said Flores. Santander Investment is behind the US$115mn highway, which will be 10km long and will include a 4.3km underground stretch. The project, dubbed Ruta Costa, would be the first urban expressway outside capital Santiago to be put out to concession. Works would begin at the Nudo Barón intersection in Valparaíso and end in Reñaca, north of Viña. It is estimated the project could cut travel time between both cities by 80%.