Major Project
The Chacao Bridge project
The Chacao Bridge project, the largest suspension bridge in South America
(Reported by Marcelo Sanchez, Editor for North America)
Figure 1. The project consider the construction of about 2.5 km long double suspension bridge, been after its construction, the largest suspension bridge in South America
Introduction
The Chacao Channel bridge is a planned road connection to link the Island of Chiloé with mainland Chile by crossing the Chacao Channel (Figure 2).
The inhabitants of Chiloe island currently reach the mainland by private ferries operating between the town of Pargua and Chacao throughout the year. The ferry service is occasionally disrupted by harsh weather and strong tides, impeding safely ships mooring, loading and unloading of vehicles or crossing the channel.
In addition, at certain periods of the year the increase in demand, fails to be satisfied fully by the operators, causing long delays for users, often exceeding an hour to get a ferry.
The delays and uncertainty in crossing the Channel, affects negatively on the activities of the island as well as its permanent connectivity with the rest of the country. At present, the only way to reach Chiloe is by a 25 to 45 minute ferry trip. With the bridge, the time would be reduced to less than three minutes and the uncertainties would be eliminated.
Given the significance that full connectivity has throughout the national territory and the need to improve conditions for economic and social development of the community of Chiloe, allowing full integration with the rest of the country, the Government of Chile, has decided to carry out the project called “Chacao Bridge”. It will cross the Chacao Channel linking the mainland with Chiloe Island.
The Chacao Bridge project, the largest suspension bridge in South America
