Chile road concession overhaul sparks investor concerns in Biobío

The Chilean government announced it will replace the concession model with direct public financing for the Concepción‑Talcahuano corridors (routes 160 and 150) in the Biobío region. Finance Minister Jorge Quiroz halted the original tender citing fiscal tightness, but Public Works Minister Louis de Grange later affirmed that the projects will proceed on schedule, with designs, timelines and job creation unchanged and completion expected by the end of 2031. Critics warned that altering the procurement process at the final stage – when a single bidder linked to the Spanish group Azvi was near award – could erode confidence in Chile’s concession system and deter future private investment.

Separately, Spanish construction firm Sacyr is putting its Chilean highway concessions up for sale, with investment bank BTG Pactual leading the transaction. Commentators highlighted that Chile’s road network, valued at roughly US$450 billion, remains state‑owned and that toll revenues should continue to fund maintenance and operation after concession contracts end.