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| A virtual view of Chacao Bridge, Chile |
Chile Travel and News | By Raul Silva M. | Updated: June 2025
The Chacao Channel Bridge is set to become one of South America’s most impressive engineering achievements. Located in the Los Lagos Region of southern Chile, this suspension bridge will connect Chiloé Island to the mainland across the Chacao Channel—a notoriously difficult stretch of water known for its strong currents and seismic activity.
Construction began in 2017 after decades of planning and design changes. Originally expected to be completed by 2019, the bridge has faced numerous delays due to technical challenges, changes in contractors, and complex seismic conditions. As of July 2024, the project is just over 50 % complete, and Chile’s Ministry of Public Works has confirmed that the bridge is now scheduled to open in the second half of 2028.
The bridge will span approximately 2.75 kilometers, with a deck wide enough for four traffic lanes, plus pedestrian and bicycle lanes. Its three towers—each between 160 and 200 meters tall—will support a structure designed to withstand earthquakes over magnitude 9 and winds exceeding 240 km/h. One of the bridge’s most unique features is that it will be anchored to Roca Remolino, a massive granite formation in the middle of the channel that helps provide a solid foundation.
The construction is led by a consortium headed by Hyundai and Systra, and the project’s cost has risen from an initial estimate of US $740 million to over US $1 billion. Once completed, the bridge will replace ferry services that currently take 25 to 45 minutes, cutting travel time across the channel to about three minutes by car.
- A Game-Changer for Travel, Tourism, and Connectivity
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For international visitors, this bridge will make it significantly easier to explore Chiloé Island, renowned for its distinctive wooden architecture, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful national parks. The project also draws interest from engineers and travelers fascinated by megastructures built in seismically active regions.
With a planned lifespan of 100 years, the Chacao Channel Bridge is expected to become not only a vital transportation link but also a modern icon of Chilean infrastructure. Once it opens, driving across this landmark will be a must-do experience for anyone traveling in southern Chile.
- Key Facts About the Chacao Channel Bridge
| Official Name | Chacao Channel Bridge (Puente Chacao) |
| Location | Chacao Channel, Los Lagos Region, Chile |
| Purpose | Connects Chiloé Island to mainland Chile |
| Bridge Type | Suspension bridge |
| Total Length | 2.75 kilometers (1.71 miles) |
| Main Span | 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) |
| Construction Start | 2017 |
| Expected Completion | Second half of 2028 (as of July 2024) |
| Original Cost Estimate | US $740 million |
| Revised Cost Estimate | Over US $1 billion |
| Main Contractors | Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Systra |
| Earthquake Resistance | Designed to withstand earthquakes >9.0 magnitude |
| Wind Resistance | Up to 240 km/h (149 mph) |
| Lanes | 4 vehicular lanes + pedestrian and bicycle paths |
| Special Feature | Central tower anchored on Roca Remolino, an underwater granite formation |
| Crossing Time | ~3 minutes by car (compared to 30–45 minutes by ferry) |
| Estimated Lifespan | 100 years. |
Location
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