Chile detects construction flaws in delayed bridge

Chile's comptroller general has released documents on an inspection carried out last December on a long-delayed cable-stayed bridge in the Araucanía (IX) region in the south of the country.

The report revealed various flaws in the construction of the structure, which was supposed to be finished by October last year.

The inspection found cracks on the concrete tower to which the cables are attached, problems with the position of the ironwork of the structure and the distances between steel beams., among others.

These deficiencies, which "have resulted in various reports and repairs that have not been accredited, received or approved by the supervisory inspection, are imperative for the technical unit to regularize the conditions [of the bridge]," the comptroller's report reads.

Other faults detected include improper waste management and workers operating without the appropriate personal protection equipment.

The "Treng Treng y Kay Kay" bridge is the first cable-stayed bridge in Chile and is part of a wider effort to reduce traffic levels on the route between the regional capital Temuco and neighboring Padre Las Casas municipality.

Works on the 46bn peso (US$70mn) bridge began in 2014 and are being carried over by the consortium Paicavi, formed by Grupo Essentium, Mekano 4 and NConcreto, radio station Bio Bio reported.