Chile’s Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has launched a tender to expand, upgrade, maintain, and operate the key access routes into the city of Valdivia in the Los Ríos Region.

The initiative, with an official budget of US$567 million, includes the expansion, improvement, maintenance, and operation of Routes 202 and 206 in the Los Ríos Region, with approximate lengths of 43.3 km and 43.4 km, respectively. Routes 202 and 206 are planned as dual carriageways with two lanes in each direction and a maximum speed of 120 km/h, with restrictions in specific sections. The project also includes the replacement of existing bridges and the construction of new bridges, interchanges, service roads, pedestrian overpasses, bus stops, and pedestrian walkways. Regarding the route of the new highway, the northern access to Valdivia – Route 202 – begins west of the Valdivia Norte interchange on Route 5, in the municipality of San José de la Mariquina, and ends south of the Santa Elvira sector in the urban area of ​​Valdivia. A bypass is included in the Cayumapu sector, and from the El Arenal sector onward, the route will have an urban profile with a dual carriageway. The southern access to Valdivia – Route 206 starts west of the Valdivia Sur Link of Route 5, in the commune of Paillaco, and ends at its intersection with Av. Pedro Castelblanco to the north and Av. Circunvalación Sur to the south, in the commune of Valdivia.

To safeguard the integrity of the surrounding ecosystems, the project includes the construction of the Cayumapu Wetland Interpretation Center, along with dedicated pedestrian walkways that will enable visitors to appreciate the wetland and its native flora and fauna. The facility will be designed and built in accordance with Sustainable Building Certification (CES) standards, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious architectural approach that emphasizes the area’s landscape, natural, and cultural significance, while also supporting opportunities for sustainable tourism and local economic growth. In addition, the project integrates enhanced road safety features, including the installation of new median barriers, upgraded lighting systems, CCTV surveillance, and modernized road safety and protection infrastructure.

The submission of bids is expected by September 2026, with the concession to be awarded in Q1 of 2027, allowing the works to be put into service by 2035. The maximum concession period is 600 months.