Chile's Ministry of Public Works (MOP), in partnership with Costanera Norte, has begun replacing the superstructure of the Lo Saldes Bridge in Santiago, Chile.

The first phase of the Lo Saldes Bridge replacement project has commenced, marking a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving connectivity between the Santiago communes of Providencia, Las Condes and Vitacura. The bridge carries an average of more than 50,000 vehicles each day, making it a vital transport link in the eastern part of the capital. Construction is scheduled to continue until January 2027. During this period, the bridge's outer lanes will be closed, with traffic redirected to the central lanes to maintain access. One lane in each direction will remain open for light vehicles and public transport, while the existing restriction on trucks with more than two axles will stay in effect. Backed by an investment of more than US$16 million, the project will replace and modernise the 164-metre-long bridge, originally built in 1971, extending its service life while enhancing its structural integrity and safety standards. The works, being carried out by the concessionaire Costanera Norte, include replacing the four original metal beams with eight new high-strength beams, as well as reinforcing the abutments and piers. These improvements will restore the safety and seismic resilience of this strategic infrastructure, which connects important road corridors such as Avenida Presidente Kennedy, Costanera Norte, and the San Cristóbal Tunnel.

The construction process was planned in three sequential phases to minimize its impact on traffic flow:

• Phase 0 included preparatory work, such as reinforcing the interior beams and adapting the piers and abutments to comply with current seismic regulations. This phase did not include any work on the bridge deck.
• Meanwhile, Phase 1, which begins this Monday, July 27, 2026, and runs until January 2027, involves the intervention and reconstruction of the side decks through the dismantling of the existing structure, the installation of new beams, and the construction of new decks. Traffic will be maintained through the central section, with one lane in each direction.
• Finally, Phase 2, to be carried out between January and April 2027, involves work on the central section of the bridge, including the replacement of the beams and the construction of the new central deck. During this stage, traffic will be diverted to the side decks rebuilt in the previous phase, maintaining one lane in each direction.

Due to the scale of the works and the simultaneous execution of other interventions on nearby streets and roads, episodes of greater congestion could occur in the area. According to the current schedule, the completion of all works is estimated for May 2027.