San Cristóbal tunnel towards Providencia opened six months behind schedule

SANTIAGO.- Six months later than the original termination date, the northbound side of the San Cristóbal tunnel was finally opened this morning. The route, which is two kilometers long, has now been habilitated in both directions.

At 11:00 AM sharp, the first group of 11 vehicles entered the tunnel from El Salto to Los Conquistadores, escorted by a police motorcycle.

Meanwhile, four police officers positioned themselves at the Los Conquistadores tunnel exit in order to direct traffic. According to estimates, as of today some 44 thousand vehicles will pass through the tunnel each day.

The structure had already been partially opened on July 4th of this year, allowing vehicles to travel only in the southbound direction from Américo Vespucio to El Salto. The project is part of a series of road initiatives aimed at easing up traffic congestion in the area.

Other projects include a plan to improve road connections from Avenida Andrés Bello by way of a new bridge and widening of Avenida El Cerro; as well as a traffic light initiative at the corner of Avenida El Cerro and Los Conquistadores in order to reduce waiting time.