Second Lo Prado Tunnel Excavation Complete

Chilean highway concessionaire Rutas del Pacifico completed excavation of the Lo Prado II tunnel on the 109.6km Route 68 linking capital Santiago and Region V city Valparaiso, Public Works Concessionaires Association (Copsa) president Vicente Dominguez said. The excavation was completed in 34 days, which he said demonstrates the considerable progress the concessionaire has made on the two new tunnels along the route which should be operational by August. Dominguez highlighted the modern technology to be installed in the tunnel including reflector panels for better visibility, ventilators every 340m, carbon monoxide detectors and emergency posts every 50m, which he said will guarantee both safety and reduce congestion. The opening of the tunnel in August "will greatly contribute to increasing traffic flows of both passengers and exports and imports on Route 68 from Santiago to the coast," Dominguez said. Rutas del Pacifico, made up of Spain's ACS and Sacyr, is investing US$416mn in modernizing Route 68 and Troncal Sur. The project includes the upgrade to four lanes on some sections of the route, rehabilitation of existing lanes, and construction of the tunnels Zapata II and Lo Prado II, which are being built alongside existing tunnels. The 18km Troncal Sur road links Vina del Mar with the towns of Quilpue, Villa Alemana and Penablanca. The project also includes the expansion of the 2.3km Ruta Las Palmas linking Valparaiso with Vina del Mar. According to the schedule, 40% of works should be completed by October 10 this year and the project finished by late 2003.