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2 clusters · 4 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

Chilean road concession model dispute in Biobío

Overview

The Chilean government announced a shift in the procurement model for the Concepción-Talcahuano corridors (Routes 150 and 160) in the Biobío region, moving from a concession model to direct public financing. While Public Works Minister Louis de Grange stated that project timelines and job creation would remain unchanged with completion expected by 2031, the decision sparked concerns regarding investor confidence and the potential erosion of the national concession system.

Following this announcement, protesters in the Biobío region blocked roads between Lota and Coronel. Demonstrators are demanding that the construction of these transport corridors remain under a concession model, arguing that transferring the projects to the Directorate of Highways (Vialidad) could cause delays of four to five years. Local officials, including Lota Mayor Jaime Vásquez, criticized the decision as a centralist move that lacks communication and disrespects the region.

Entities

Louis de Grange · Sacyr · Lota · Coronel · Jaime Vásquez

Timeline

  1. 22 days ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Protests in Biobío demand road concession model

    Protesters in Lota and Coronel are blocking roads to demand that major transport corridor projects remain under a concession model rather than being transferred to Vialidad.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    Chile road concession overhaul sparks investor concerns in Biobío

    Chile replaces road concessions with direct financing in Biobío, raising investor doubts, while Spanish firm Sacyr seeks to sell its Chilean highway assets.

Sources

diarioconcepcion.cl · madero.cl · miradiols.cl · tvu.cl