There is a strong interest in the construction of two new tunnels that plan to connect Chile and Argentina. The Los Libertadores tunnel and the Las Leñas tunnel will improve the transport connection between Chile and Argentina, thereby helping to promote trade between the two countries. The two governments have agreed on the need for the project to improve transportation and reduce reliance on existing routes closed due to bad weather.

Compared to the existing tunnel, the new Los Libertadores tunnel will provide an improved connection. The tunnel is located high and can be reached by roads normally closed in winter. At the same time, the Las Leñas tunnel will be at a height of about 2,000m, with a total length of 11.5 kilometers.

China Gezhouba Group Co., Ltd. has shown interest in both projects. The construction of the two lines is expected to cost US$3 billion. The plan and necessary approvals should be completed before the end of 2021, and work is planned to begin in 2022. Editor/Sang Xiaomei