The Chilean Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has announced that in the next days the award of the Ovalle - La Serena highway concession to Sacyr Concesiones will be published officially.

Sacyr Concesiones emerged as the lowest bidder for the project in October 2012 beating two other consortia, Consorcio Redes Viales BD Chile and Consorcio BIB Concesión Vial Coquimbo.

The highway will connect region IV's capital La Serena with the city of Ovalle. Work involves expanding the existing two-lane, 81km route into a four-lane highway, as well as building a 15km bypass. The project also considers pedestrian and bicycle lanes, lighting works, safety features, and landscaping.

Total investment for the project is estimated at US$240 million.

Sacyr Concesiones is developing a leadership position in the concession industry in Chile. The firm has recently won two important concession contracts:

• La Serena - Vallenar highway concession
• Antofagasta hospital concession