FCC Construcción has won the contract to build the Ruta C-17 bypass in Chile. Route C-17 is 123.420 kilometres long and begins in the Chulo area, where it intersects with Route 31-CH, whilst it ends in the town of Diego de Almagro, at the junction with Route C-13. This road is the main link between Copiapó and Diego de Almagro. Specifically, the project will be located to the south of the built-up area of Diego de Almagro and will consist of a bypass for Route C-17, to be known as ‘Axis 30’, with a length of 18.639 kilometres. The Route C-17 bypass is designed as a motorway with a design speed of 100 km/h. 

This is a strategic project for the connectivity and development of the area, improving road safety and the resilience of one of the most important corridors for mining, logistics and social activity in the north of the country. Route C-17 constitutes a strategic alternative to Route 5 and forms part of the Ministry of Public Works’ efforts to strengthen the regional road network. The project forms part of investments aimed at modernising Atacama’s transport infrastructure and addressing the increase in traffic associated with the region’s economic activity. The area is home to major mining operations and requires safe and efficient road corridors for the movement of people, supplies and goods.

A boost for safety and mobility

The new bypass will improve traffic conditions, reduce journey times and enhance user safety through a route design adapted to current traffic demands. Furthermore, the infrastructure will help reduce the road network’s vulnerability to weather events – a particularly important consideration in a region that has experienced episodes of extreme rainfall and disruption to transport links in recent years.

FCC Construcción’s experience in complex transport and infrastructure projects will enable the incorporation of construction solutions focused on sustainability, operational efficiency and improved service quality for users.

From a social perspective, the implementation of the project will generate direct and indirect employment during the construction phase, boosting the economic activity of suppliers, contractors and local small businesses. Improved connectivity will particularly benefit communities in the province of Copiapó and the area around Inca de Oro, facilitating access to health, education and administrative services, as well as strengthening territorial integration between different towns in the region. The bypass will also help to reduce the risks associated with heavy goods vehicles travelling through urban areas, improving residents’ quality of life and safety.

The Atacama Region is one of Chile’s main mining hubs and relies on an efficient transport network to maintain the competitiveness of its exports. The upgrade of the C-17 Road will strengthen the regional logistics chain by facilitating the transport of inputs and products to production centres and national transport corridors.

The investment will also help to reduce transport-related operating costs, improve the reliability of journeys and foster new development opportunities for complementary activities such as services, trade and regional tourism.

With this contract award, FCC Construcción consolidates its presence in Chile, a country where it has been carrying out infrastructure projects for over fifteen years and where it has participated in major projects relating to roads and urban access routes.

The addition of the Route C-17 bypass to its project portfolio reinforces the company’s position as one of the most experienced international players in the delivery of sustainable transport infrastructure with a significant impact on economic and social development.