Chile begins US$ 76.8 million paving of Carretera Austral

Chile's Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has commenced the paving of 16.2 kilometers of the Carretera Austral (Route 7) in the Aysén Region. The project, located between Bahía Murta and the El Belga bridge in Río Ibáñez, involves an investment of approximately 70 billion pesos (US$ 76.8 million).

The works aim to improve connectivity to Puerto Tranquilo and tourist sites such as the Marble Cathedrals in Lake General Carrera. This initiative is part of the 'Plan Ruta Austral: Soberanía que conecta', a broader program involving 23 projects and a total investment of nearly 800 billion pesos to intervene approximately 250 kilometers of the route.

Additionally, the MOP is overseeing the construction of the El Manso Bridge, a 55-meter structure designed to support 45 tons with two lanes and two walkways. This bridge project has reached approximately 16% progress and is scheduled for completion in April 2028.