Hochtief has been awarded the contract for the El Salto toll tunnel in Santiago de Chile, representing an investment of roughly US$94M.
A consortium led by Hochtief will plan, build, finance and operate the twin tube tunnel in the Chilean capital. The 4km long tunnel will connect the northern Santiago suburbs to the business district of the city. The alignment runs through the Cerro San Cristobal, the hill topped by the landmark of the same name that is iconic of the city.
Construction is expected to get underway by the second half of 2005, with opening planned for 2007 after which Hochtief will operate the toll link under a thirty year concession. The tunnel will connect directly to other toll routes around the city, one of which, a 30km stretch, is currently being developed by Hochtief and should open to traffic by the middle of 2005.
