Colombia is planning to tender a contract to upgrade and operate the last stretch of a 1,000km highway that links the nation’s centre with the Caribbean coast.

The contract is estimated to be worth COP2.4tn ($1.25bn), according to online.wsj.com.

The final stretch of the four-lane highway is expected to connect Villeta, 50km north of Bogota, to Cienaga on the Caribbean coast.

Brazil’s Odebrecht, Spain’s Obrascon Huarte Lain, Colombia’s Odinsa and Italy’s Impregilo Spa are expected to bid for the contract.

The winning bidder will be announced on 14 July.