However, years of preparation still lie ahead before the anticipated 10-year construction period can begin, reported BNamericas. Draft design, detailed engineering, environmental, and business case studies have not yet started.
The cost of the tunnel will be shared by both countries and even after a joint political decision to start is made, it remains unclear whether either would be able to dedicate the funds to carry out the design phase, expected to cost around 5% of the overall investment. A more detailed study of the business case model would need to be undertaken before design and construction can begin, emphasised Moises Sarabia of Chile’s ministry of works.
The 13km-long Tunnel Paso Las Lenas will cross the Andes at an altitude of around 2,050m, connecting Chile’s O’Higgins region and Argentina’s province of Mendoza, allowing travel during the winter months. In addition to the tunnel, new works will be required on either side – 60km of new road in Argentina and 13km in Chile.
