Argentina and Chile will build new tunnel in the Andes

Buenos Aires - The governments of Argentina and Chile Tuesday formed a binational entity that is responsible for building a tunnel in Paso Las Leñas, to unite both nations through the Andes. El Paso Las Leñas is located between the south of the Province of Mendoza (San Rafael, Argentina) and the O'Higgins Region, Chile.

"The binational entity aims to define the best technical and economical alternative to building a low altitude tunnel connecting the two countries in the field of Paso Las Leñas" said the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

El Paso Las Leñas is located between the south of the Province of Mendoza (San Rafael, Argentina) and the O'Higgins Region, Chile.

Through a statement, the Argentina Chancellery, where the agreement was signed, said the projected tunnel would stretch 11.5 kilometers at an altitude of about 2,000 meters.

The Ministry added that the characteristics of the initiative will allow the step to operate 365 days a year, ensuring road connectivity at a lower cost of operation and maintenance during winter because of its low altitude.

The event was led by Argentine Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Foradori, who was accompanied by Transport Minister Guillermo Dietrich; the governor of Mendoza, Alfredo Cornejo, and the ambassador to Chile, Jose Bordon.

On the Chilean side were Minister of Public Works, Alberto Undurraga, and Ambassador José Antonio Viera.

Foradori said that the initiative "is an old dream of the province of Mendoza and Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins Region, which will enable further integration based on cultural affinities between the two regions."

"It is important to note that the realization of this project would optimize infrastructure and connectivity Atlantic-Pacific axis, something that has not only become a central issue on the agenda between the two countries, but also in a regional priority," he added.