• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
The Regional Government of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica and the School of Engineering of the Catholic University (UC) will initiate a study to evaluate the feasibility of constructing a tunnel under the Strait of Magellan. If materialized, the project would become an alternative for establishing a permanent connection between Tierra del Fuego and the mainland, which is currently done by sea.
The initiative will be one of the first projects to be addressed within the framework of the collaboration agreement signed this Tuesday between both institutions, which will allow UC Engineering's academic and technical capabilities to be put at the service of strategic challenges for the region's development.
"We want to analyze a connectivity solution. This solution, in principle, consists of determining if we can build a tunnel under the Strait of Magellan. It would be three kilometers long, plus approximately an additional kilometer at each end," explained Jorge Flies, regional governor of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica.
According to the regional authority, the need for greater certainty regarding connectivity between Tierra del Fuego and the mainland is part of the challenges identified for the region. The territorial conditions and, particularly, the strong winds in the area make it necessary to analyze infrastructure alternatives other than a bridge.
The first step will be to develop a conceptual level study that, based on available information, will allow evaluating whether the project can advance to later stages.
"This collaboration has the challenge of delivering something useful and relevant for this idea, within a period of approximately six to eight months from when we start the work," said Christian Ledezma, professor and director of Extension and Dictuc at UC Engineering.
The academic specified that the analysis must address the multiple dimensions involved in an initiative of this magnitude. "From the point of view of engineering and the university, it presents challenges in all areas one can consider: environmental, constructive, geotechnical, community, and geopolitical," he added.
The alliance also includes articulation with the University of Magallanes, as well as the development of research, innovation, and training projects that respond to the strategic challenges and needs of the territory.
"We are very happy to sign this collaboration agreement with Magallanes, with the idea of being able to develop and explore alternatives from engineering in the region and, in particular, on infrastructure issues," affirmed Loreto Valenzuela, dean of UC Engineering.
