The National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) took an important step in the execution of one of the most ambitious road projects in the south of the country. The entity officially called the public bidding process for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of the El Estanquillo – Popayán projecta work that seeks to improve connectivity and road infrastructure in the departments of Valle del Cauca, Cauca, Nariño and Putumayo. The project has a estimated budget of $7.6 billion and is designed to improve the conditions of cargo and passenger transportation in this important region of the country.
The project will be developed in two phases. The initial pre-construction phase will last approximately 1.5 years, followed by a 4.5-year construction phase.. Once the concession contract has been awarded, the detailed planning and design stage of the work will begin, with the possibility of beginning smaller and less disruptive interventions in the first months.
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Regarding deadlines, the bidding process continues with the publication of the pre-specifications on the portal Secop I. Through this platform, those interested in participating in the tender will be able to consult the previous studies, technical annexes and other documents related to the project. They may also submit observations or request clarifications about the process before the final specifications are published.
The next step in the process will be the publication of the final specifications, which is expected to occur in the first half of 2025. Subsequently, the selection process will be opened to award the concession to the firm or consortium that meets the requirements established in the specifications and who will be in charge of the construction, operation and maintenance of the road during the 20 years that the concession will last.
El Estanquillo – Popayán
The project is based on the construction, rehabilitation and improvement of several road sections in the Colombian southwest, specifically between the municipality of Popayán and the El Estanquillo sector, in Valle del Cauca. The work includes six interventions that include the rehabilitation of existing sections, the improvement of road variants and the construction of new dual carriageways..
In detail, the works that stand out are the construction of 14 tunnels, 116 vehicular bridges, 12 pedestrian bridges and five new intersections. In addition, the project includes geotechnical works for the stabilization of slopes and the intervention of critical points of the road in order to guarantee the safety of users.
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The work will only improve connectivity between the departments of southwestern Colombiabut will also facilitate communication and trade with Ecuador.
It is estimated that the project will benefit more than one million people who transit through this area, significantly reducing travel times on one of the most important routes for the transportation of cargo and passengers. According to ANI, This infrastructure will contribute to improving the quality of life indicators of nearby communities, by offering greater efficiency in mobility and improving access to markets and services..
is the estimated budget for the project.
The construction phase is expected to generate approximately 151,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs, which will contribute to the revitalization of the local economy.
The work will take into account the protection of the biodiversity of the territory and contemplates the implementation of wildlife crossings to allow the safe passage of species in the most sensitive sections of the road corridor. Likewise, measures will be incorporated to mitigate the environmental impact throughout the entire project..
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It will also use advanced technology to improve road safety in this region of the country. Will implement a Intelligent Traffic Control and Support System (Sicat)which aims to reduce accidents and improve traffic conditions on the road. This system will have tools such as monitoring cameras, speed sensors and other devices to ensure a safe and efficient flow of vehicles.
The new infrastructure will also have greater signage and traffic control systems to ensure that drivers can travel more safely along the intervened sections.
The improvement of road infrastructure will also reduce the operating costs of freight transportation, which is key to strengthening the competitiveness of the region and the country.
The 20-year concession will allow the winning firm or consortium to make the necessary investments for the construction of the infrastructure, its subsequent maintenance and the operation of the road corridor for two decades.
PAULA GALEANO BALAGUERA
Portfolio Journalist
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