Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font has inaugurated the testing phase of the Industrial Bridge in the Biobío Region, Chile.

The trial operation of the Industrial Bridge—a new roadway linking San Pedro de la Paz and Hualpén in the Biobío Region—has been officially launched. Spanning 6.4 kilometers, it is Chile’s longest road bridge and the fourth crossing over the Biobío River, complementing the existing Railway Bridge. The new link is expected to reduce travel times by 35 to 50 minutes by easing congestion along the route.

The bridge will benefit nearly 350,000 residents across San Pedro de La Paz, Hualpén, and Concepción, while also providing a more efficient route for truck traffic and linking key productive areas. The project incorporates a 7.7 km cycle path, a well-lit pedestrian walkway, and upgraded access to Route 160, all of which enhance safety for thousands of users. With an investment of US$250 million, the initiative also created approximately 1,000 jobs during its peak construction phase.