Colombian authorities open first section of 4G road project

Colombian authorities have opened the first section of the Fourth-Generation (4G) road project between Rumichaca and Pasto.

It is one of the four roads being constructed under the project and accounts for 27% of the project’s total length.

The operational section is a 16.9km road stretch of new dual carriageway between the municipalities of Tangua and Catambuco.

It includes 13.4km of an adjoining second lane and 3.5km of completely new dual carriageway.

In addition, improvements were delivered to a 5.25km existing roadway between Catambuco and Pasto.

The construction works were delivered by Concesionaria Vial Unión del Sur, led by Sacyr Concessions, who is carrying out the project on behalf of the Agencia Nacional de Infraestructura – Colombian National Infrastructure Agency (ANI).

Colombia Minister of Transportation Angela Maria Orozco said: “With the delivery of this important section of the Rumichaca – Pasto project, we improve communication and road safety in the department of Nariño.

“In addition, with the completion of this functional unit, the route between Ipiales and Pasto is reduced in approximately 15 minutes.

“Thus, we continue to advance in the delivery of infrastructure works that connect the lives of Colombians.”

The project is an 83km corridor and will have 62km of double carriageway, 34km of improvements and 15km of rehabilitation.

Currently, Sacyr Concesiones has four 4G projects in Colombia that cover 525km in length and a managed investment of €2.2bn.

Concesionaria Vial Unión del Sur manager Germán de la Torre Lozano said: “For many years, the Pan-American Highway has connected the Nariño Department and Colombia with Ecuador, allowing a constant exchange of products, services and culture.

“Today, it has become the first high-capacity road in Nariño, making this dream a reality for the people of Nariño.”

Last month, Sacyr Concessions opened an 84.2km section of the Puerta de Hierro – Cruz del Viso road in Colombia.