The General Directorate of Concessions of the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) announced that it will cancel the current call for bids for the Route 5 Caldera-Antofagasta section concession and will reformulate the project.

This outcome reflects the complexities identified during the bidding process, particularly those linked to the construction and operational requirements of the proposed concession. As a result, the MOP will undertake a full review of the bidding documentation to ensure all necessary background information is in place for a revised design and tender process. This review will also allow new requirements from local authorities and communities to be incorporated, including works to channel the Salado River, improvements to the Chañaral waterfront, and other related measures.

The MOP maintains its commitment to the Atacama and Antofagasta regions to strengthen road connectivity, which is reflected in the existence of a robust portfolio of projects with improvement works on Route 24 (Tocopilla – Route 5); Route 29 (Route 5 – Calama); Route 23 Ch (Calama – San Pedro) and Route 27 Ch (San Pedro – Paso Jama), all for an amount exceeding USD 250 million. Furthermore, within the framework of the current Rutas de Antofagasta concession, the contracting of improvement works for almost USD 50 million is projected for 2026, for the expansion of the capacity of Route 1, including grade-separated links at the southern and northern access points to Mejillones; the improvement of the Emergency Care Areas, Rest and Truck Parking; the provision of bypasses and stopping areas for overweight and oversized vehicles; and the installation of pedestrian and anti-vandalism barriers.