Talcahuano Advances in Interport Route and Northern Railway Access

The Talcahuano City Port Coordination Council highlighted progress in initiatives related to the Interport Route and the Northern Railway Access, which aims to open new possibilities to enhance logistics development in Greater Concepción.

The session was chaired by the Regional Governor of Bio Bio and included the participation of the Mayor of Talcahuano, the regional secretaries (seremis) of Public Works and Transport and Telecommunications, the Head of the Regional Planning and Development Division of GORE, and the General Manager of Puertos de Talcahuano, who acts as Executive Secretary.

In this regard, the Regional Secretary of Public Works, José Piña, commented that "the connection of the Interport Route and the Port of San Vicente is a project under development that has the adequate social profitability to be executed. Therefore, all necessary expropriation files are being generated."

The initiative in question received a Satisfactory Recommendation (RS) from the Ministry of Social Development in March, and it was reported that, depending on the time taken for expropriations and budgetary availability, works for Section 2 (from the Bio Bio Roundabout to the San Vicente port facility) could begin between 2027 and 2028, under the responsibility of the Roads Directorate.

For Section 1 (from the Interport Route in its current state to the Bio Bio Roundabout, which includes an overpass), the execution model is still under analysis by the General Directorate of Concessions.

The meeting of the Talcahuano City Port Coordination Council also included a presentation on the progress of the pre-feasibility study for the Northern Railway Access to Concepción, led by Sectra of the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications. The report's route alternatives contemplate the railway connecting with the Port of San Vicente via El Arenal Station.

"The study for the Northern Railway Access to the Bio Bio Region was presented, which is now in its second stage. This project would positively impact by consolidating a logistics hub, strengthening port activity by improving response times for cargo transfer, and offering an alternative for passenger transport," commented the Regional Secretary of Transport and Telecommunications, Henry Campos.

"What is happening with the Northern Railway Access is great news. Although it is long-term, it brings into discussion one of the needs of our port, both for passenger and cargo transport. In parallel, we continue to advance in making the Interport Route a reality soon. Both projects are necessary to improve transport and logistics and, above all, to provide more competition and job opportunities," added the Mayor of Talcahuano, Eduardo Saavedra.

"We value the important updates regarding two strategic connectivity projects that will add efficiency and competitiveness to the region, such as the extension of the Interport Route and the Northern Railway Access," stated the General Manager of Puertos de Talcahuano, Cristian Wulf.

"It is relevant to have learned the execution times for Section 2 (Port San Vicente-Cementos Bio Bio roundabout) and that by the end of the year, a definition will be made by the General Directorate of Concessions regarding Section 1 (Cementos Bio Bio roundabout with the current Interport Route). Regarding the Northern Railway Access, the confirmation that all alternatives will connect with the Port of San Vicente is good news," he concluded.