B&E acts in Santiago-Los Vilos concession for Vías Chile

Barros & Errázuriz has advised Vías Chile and its shareholders throughout the bidding process for the public works project for the Santiago-Los Vilos section of the Ruta 5 Santiago-Los Vilos highway.

This operation was completed on 18 July for an approximate amount of USD $1,200,000,000. By submitting its technical and economic proposal, Vias Chile aims to be awarded the concession and to undertake the construction, operation and maintenance of the project.

The consultancy involved assessing the main legal risks of the concession, analysing all relevant laws, regulations, bidding conditions and industry practices, as well as drafting a due diligence report and reports designed to address specific concerns of the company and its shareholders. It also required preparation of the extensive documentation required by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) for the submission of the technical and economic bids.

This brownfield project involves the merger of the existing concessions “Túnel El Melón” and “Concesión Vial Ruta 5, Tramo Santiago-Los Vilos”, covering a total of 223.4 kilometres. The concession includes the construction of additional roads, service roads and bridges, with the aim of improving infrastructure service standards. This public work represents the first tender of the current Chilean government, which launched an ambitious programme for the period 2024-2028, with more than 40 new projects with a total projected value of more than USD 17.6 billion. The programme includes new highways (USD 4.3 billion), rail infrastructure (USD 3.8 billion), prison facilities (USD 300 million), airports (USD 270 million), a tsunami warning system (USD 90 million) and desalination plants, among other initiatives.

B&E’s team was led by partners Nicolás Balmaceda (pictured left) and Francisco de la Barra (pictured right), with support from senior associate Nicole Ubal and associates Sebastián Rosende and Raimundo Soto.