Overview
- The Arequipa–La Joya bridge was officially inaugurated on Monday, July 13, with President José María Balcázar attending the ceremony.
- The Contraloría General de la República has recorded formal observations that structural checks were delayed, that a pillar evaluation and full seismic verification were not completed, and that some pillars may need reinforcement.
- Authorities say remaining works to finish the full Arequipa–La Joya corridor are imminent, with twin tunnels due to start on July 20 and a convenio signing set for July 24 to begin the 20.5 km link and Panamericana interchange.
- The bridge’s budget rose from an initial roughly S/107.5 million to about S/171 million after a May 2026 regional decision, reflecting years of delays, contract changes and added work.
- Local residents and officials have warned that the route lacks complete signage, lighting and pedestrian crossings, that workers protested during the presidential visit, and that an expected flow of about 4,500 heavy vehicles raises safety and maintenance concerns if reinforcements or fixes are required.