Chile Awards $1.6 Billion Contract to Transform Route 68 to Sacyr Concesiones
Chile has taken a bold leap forward in its infrastructure agenda, awarding its largest-ever highway concession to date.
In a landmark deal, the Supreme Decree officially granted Sacyr Concesiones Chile S.p.A. the reins to revamp and operate Route 68 under a fresh 30-year concession agreement. The news, now published in the Official Gazette, paves the way for a multi-billion-dollar transformation of a key arterial route linking Santiago with the bustling port city of Valparaíso.
A Strategic Artery Linking Capital to Coast
Spanning 141 kilometres, Route 68 isn’t just another stretch of road. It’s one of the country’s most heavily travelled corridors, facilitating everything from commercial logistics to holiday traffic between Chile’s capital and its primary seaport. Beginning at the Pajaritos Junction in the Santiago districts of Estación Central and Lo Prado, and stretching to Valparaíso, the route passes through several key municipalities including Pudahuel, Curacaví, Casablanca, Viña del Mar, Quilpué, and Villa Alemana.
The contract covers not only the main Route 68 corridor but also includes vital secondary arteries. These include:
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Route 60-CH Vía Las Palmas (9.95 km)
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Route 60-CH Troncal Sur (20.55 km)
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A critical connector segment known as “Nudo Pajaritos” (1.22 km)
An Unprecedented Investment Commitment
The total project finance investment under the concession is pegged at UF 35,970,000, equivalent to approximately USD 1.619 billion. This represents the single largest infrastructure investment in Chile’s interurban road system to date. According to the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), this deal is not only significant in financial terms but also in its potential impact on road safety, congestion, and economic integration.
“This is a vital project that will bring enhanced connectivity and safety to thousands of commuters and cargo operators daily,” stated a spokesperson from Chile’s MOP. “The level of investment reflects the importance of modernising our national road network.”
What Sacyr Will Deliver
Sacyr Concesiones, a subsidiary of Spain’s infrastructure giant Sacyr, isn’t new to Chilean roads. With a portfolio that already includes highways, hospitals, and water projects across Latin America, the company brings technical know-how and a proven track record.
Under the new agreement, Sacyr will be responsible not only for operating and maintaining Route 68 but also for a comprehensive programme of upgrades.
These will likely include:
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Road widening to accommodate increased traffic volumes
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Improved lighting and signage
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The introduction of smart traffic management systems
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Restructuring junctions and interchanges to reduce bottlenecks
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Enhanced safety features such as crash barriers and surveillance infrastructure
Although exact details of the construction phases are yet to be fully released, initial works are expected to prioritise high-risk sections and areas with frequent congestion.
Planning for the Autonomous Era
In light of global trends, Chile is taking steps to future-proof its infrastructure. There is growing expectation that the upgraded Route 68 will be designed with emerging technologies in mind, particularly the integration of autonomous vehicle (AV) systems.
Autonomous vehicles require specific roadway features to function safely and efficiently, such as:
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High-definition lane markings
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Real-time data communication infrastructure
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Adaptive traffic signals
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Sensor-equipped roadside units for vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) interaction
As Chile eyes long-term sustainability and digital transformation, these AV-friendly upgrades are no longer just perks – they’re fast becoming requirements. Sacyr’s role will involve embedding digital infrastructure right from the start.
Environmental and Social Considerations
Large-scale infrastructure projects in Chile are subject to rigorous environmental and social impact assessments. The Route 68 concession is no exception. Stakeholder consultations are expected to take place throughout the early stages of the project to mitigate disruptions and ensure local communities benefit.
Noise-reducing barriers, improved drainage systems, and environmentally conscious construction practices are anticipated. In recent years, Sacyr has invested in green construction methods and circular economy principles, a trend that’s likely to continue on this highway.
The Broader Economic Impact
Beyond construction, the project promises ripple effects across Chile’s economy. Improved logistics between Santiago and Valparaíso mean faster freight movement, fewer delays, and ultimately lower costs for exporters and importers.
Job creation is another upside. The concession will generate employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases. From civil engineers to maintenance crews, local talent is expected to play a major role.
Moreover, improved access to coastal areas like Viña del Mar and Valparaíso will give a boost to tourism, which has become a key pillar of the region’s economy.
Transitioning Control
The current concession ends on 30 June 2025, with Sacyr officially taking over on 1 July. This handover will involve a complex series of technical and legal steps, including asset evaluations, data transfer, and compliance verifications.
The Chilean government has committed to ensuring a seamless transition, with minimal disruption for road users. Existing toll systems will likely be updated or replaced with modernised electronic toll collection (ETC) setups, aligned with international standards.
Why It Matters
Chile has long relied on public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop its road infrastructure, and this latest award reaffirms that model’s strength. With Sacyr at the helm and a long-term outlook guiding the roadmap, Route 68 is poised to become a flagship example of how strategic investment, modern engineering, and public planning can align.
If all goes according to plan, this USD 1.6 billion transformation could become a template not just for Chile, but for the region at large.
A Vision Built to Last
In an era defined by digital mobility, sustainable design, and cross-sector collaboration, Chile’s Route 68 concession is much more than a highway project. It’s a statement of intent.
With the right execution, this ambitious investment will reshape not only a vital transport corridor but also the way Chile approaches future infrastructure planning.
