IDU revokes the bidding process for sections 1 and 2 of the Carrera Séptima Corridor, between streets 99 and 24

IDU Statement

This is an automated translation of the press release issued in Spanish

The District Administration, through the Institute of Urban Development (IDU), has decided to revoke the bidding processes and merit contests of the corresponding audits for sections 1 and 2 of the Carrera Séptima Corridor, which covers from 99th Street to Calle 24.

This decision is based on the document “Mobility Analysis of the Eastern Edge”, carried out by the District Mobility Secretariat, which evaluates the simultaneity of the works on the eastern edge.

Based on which, the IDU has determined that it is not feasible to continue with said bidding processes while the works that currently affect the eastern edge of the city progress.

In this regard, the director of the IDU, Orlando Molano indicated that “Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán requested a mobility study to make decisions about the Carrera Séptima Corridor. Here we have two fundamental decisions: a construction process with Line 1 of the Bogotá Metro on Av. Caracas, which affects streets 24 to 72, and the TransMilenio trunk along 68th Avenue – 100th Street. Consequently, the work conditions on the eastern edge of the city lead the IDU to make the decision to revoke the bidding processes. and audits between streets 99 to 24. As of today, we do not have any offer filed, which allows us to make this decision until further notice.”

The mobility analysis reveals that the eastern edge of Bogotá, currently affected by important infrastructure projects, could not support the simultaneous execution of these works with sections 1 and 2 of the Carrera Séptima Corridor, between streets 99 and 24.

Among the works that currently impact the area are Line 1 of the Bogotá Metro on Av. Caracas, and the TransMilenio trunk along 68th Avenue – 100th Street, both in different phases of execution that generate a significant impact on mobility.

In this regard, Secretary Claudia Díaz added that: “We carried out a mobility analysis of the sector, considering the results of the 2023 Mobility Survey, which shows that under current conditions the construction of the central section of Carrera 7ma (between 99th Street and 24th Street) would generate impacts on mobility on the eastern edge that could result in speed reductions in some corridors in the sector of up to 41% and travel times could increase up to 25% for those who use private transportation and 34%. % for those who use public transportation.”

Line 1 of the Bogotá Metro, the most important work in terms of impact on the city, has already begun its intervention on Caracas Avenue, which has led users to look for mobility alternatives such as NQS Avenue and Carreras 24, 17, 13, 11, 7 and Av. Encircle.

At the same time, the administration of Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán continues the legacy of building on what was built, and the northern section of the Carrera Séptima Corridor (from 99th Street to 200th Street) continues its march: it is already in the pre-construction stage.

“The Carrera Séptima Corridor that is awarded today consists of three groups: from 99th to 127th streets, from 127th to 183rd and from 183rd to 200th plus the patio-workshop. It is a $1.5 billion contract, 11.5 kilometers long, 10.75 kilometers of bicycle path, more than 163 thousand square meters of public space and 268 properties of which we already have 149, we need 119 properties and 89 billion. In this awarded section we found problems with designs, wet and dry networks, environmental permits and archaeological findings, among others. That is why a contract that is currently in the pre-construction stage, that is harmonizing the designs and that should start in October, we are analyzing an extension because they did not leave everything ready or the resources, which we already obtained in this Development Plan," he explained. the director of the IDU, Orlando Molano.

It should be noted that the IDU had suspended the tenders and merit contests for sections 1 and 2 of the Carrera Séptima Corridor pending the “Mobility Analysis of the Eastern Edge” developed by the District Mobility Secretariat, which has as one of its inputs the results of the 2023 Mobility Survey.

In this sense, moving forward with the bidding process for sections 1 and 2 of the Carrera Séptima Corridor between 99th and 24th streets would generate greater congestion on the eastern edge, affecting the mobility of more than 250,000 people who live, study, work and they tour the towns of Santa Fe and Chapinero daily, for an estimated period of more than six years.

Now, it is important that TransMilenio SA reviews the operational parameters of the buses in the Carrera Séptima corridor in order to guarantee a continuous and efficient provision of the service, in such a way that said project takes into account updated trip information. in all means of transportation and mobility conditions in the area of influence.

Revocation of tender, a commitment from the Government Program

In response to the commitment of the Government Program of Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, to review the studies and designs in addition to the feasibility of the construction of the central section of the Carrera Séptima Corridor, and, in response to the concerns of the citizens, a detailed review of the same and the results of the aforementioned mobility analysis were taken into account.

The mobility analysis of the eastern edge requested by the IDU to the District Mobility Secretariat, in February 2024, had the objective of evaluating the impact that simultaneously starting a new mega road project on the eastern edge of the city would have. This study was crucial to ensure that decisions on future infrastructure projects are made with a clear understanding of the current dynamics of mobility and the effects on the quality of life of citizens.

Furthermore, if only the city's work fronts are considered (without the work on Metro Line 1, nor the Carrera Séptima Corridor in its northern section), it is evident that several roads on the eastern edge already have low speeds (less than 20 km/h) for peak demand hours in the morning.

In the scenario of the construction of the central section of the Carrera Séptima Corridor, it is shown that there would be an increase in travel times by up to 25 and 34% for private and public transportation users, respectively.

Similarly, with the simultaneity of the works on Line 1 of the Bogotá Metro and the central section between 99th Street and 24th Street of Carrera Séptima on the eastern edge, it is found that corridors such as: Carreras 11, 13 and 17; 63rd and 53rd streets; and NQS and Circunvalar avenues would not have the capacity to attend the volumes of the necessary detours, while the volume - capacity relationship would be greater than 90%.

Finally, it is concluded that, based on the mobility report, the simultaneity of the works on Line 1 of the Bogotá Metro, the trunk of Av. 68 – 100th Street and the central section of the Carrera Séptima Corridor would cause a decrease in speeds by up to 41%.

This highlights the need to always review and adjust work execution plans to avoid a collapse in the city's mobility and transportation network.