The Chilean Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has initiated the replacement of the superstructure of the Lo Saldes Bridge in Santiago, Chile, in coordination with the Costanera Norte concessionaire, through an investment exceeding US$16 million.

The project, backed by an investment exceeding US$16 million, is intended to restore and secure connectivity across the 164-meter-long bridge, which is currently limited to four operational lanes out of six after a structural failure was identified in February 2025. Following the incident, authorities implemented emergency actions, including traffic restrictions and the installation of temporary support towers to stabilize the affected structure. Scheduled for completion within 12 months, the rehabilitation works will modernize the bridge’s superstructure, originally opened in 1971, bringing it into compliance with current seismic standards while fully restoring its load-bearing capacity.

The project includes replacing the four original metal beams with eight new high-strength beams, as well as reinforcing the abutments, which will restore the safety and seismic resilience of this structuring axis that links high-traffic roads such as Avenida Presidente Kennedy, Costanera Norte and the San Cristóbal Tunnel. The construction process was planned in sequential phases to minimize the impact on traffic flow. During the first stage, the side decks will be worked on, after which traffic will be diverted to the new structures, and the dismantling and reassembly of the central section will proceed. To reduce the environmental and hydraulic impact, suspended formwork systems will be used, avoiding the use of formwork supported in the riverbed. To facilitate a definitive solution in the short term, the bridge, which was originally under the administration of the Directorate of Roads, was incorporated into the Costanera Norte concession area.