Overview
- The government will publish final bid documents on February 20 with a 30–45 day window for offers, aiming to analyze proposals by late March or early April and begin construction around mid‑2026.
- The upgrade spans 15.72 km in two packages: a 7.72 km urban segment from Paso to Azcuénaga that adds a third lane per direction, and an 8 km semi‑urban segment from Azcuénaga to Variante Palmira focused on full resurfacing and access improvements.
- Planned timelines set a two‑year term for the first section with a 14‑month milestone to open the main carriageway and third lane, and a one‑year term for the second section, with simultaneous execution of both.
- Designs include three new grade‑separated crossings at Malabia, Castro Barros and Zapiola, interventions on existing bridges at Bulnes and Anchorena, and new pedestrian bridges, while traffic is maintained via prepared collector routes such as Terrada and Zapiola.
- Separately, the Province formalized the Palmira–Nudo Vial transfer of former National Route 7 as Provincial Route 22 on January 15 under a no‑compensation agreement, committing maintenance to DPV and planning a US$91.5 million refurbishment financed by the Fondo del Resarcimiento, with private participation and free‑flow tolling under evaluation.