An interesting analysis of the contractual aspects of complex road projects was presented during the second webinar of the cycle organized by PUCV School of Construction and Transportation Engineering, focusing on the execution of public works contracts, especially in the case of roads, bridges and tunnels, under the framework of a current initiative of the Ministry of Public Works of Chile.
Presentations were given by leading professionals: Marcelo Marquez, Engineer and Head of the 2020-2030 Plan for Bridges of the Ministry of Public Works, specifically of the Roads Directorate; and Matias Valenzuela, an academic and specialist in complex structures at the PUCV School of Construction and Transportation Engineering.
Marquez provided a detailed insider’s view of the ministry, while Professor Valenzuela offered an outsider’s perspective on how to participate in these types of contracts in his advisory role on various assignments.
Valenzuela commented, “We presented the public institutions in charge of road infrastructure, the contract models that are managed there, the current regulatory frameworks that govern these types of works and finally, we presented examples of emblematic projects.”
Specific case studies include the La Polvora road, a regional project in the Valparaíso region, approached from an exploitation contracting perspective; the Chacao Bridge in the Los Lagos area, in which the design and construction contract was analyzed; And, finally, from the point of view of concessions, the case of Americo Vespucio Oriente was mentioned in the metropolitan area.
Professor Matias Valenzuela explained that the aim of the seminar was to analyze contracts from two perspectives. On the one hand, to provide a transversal vision for professionals who wish to work in the public sector, on the other hand, to provide information on how to responsibly carry out bidding processes considering financial interest and promoting the development of the country is important. road infrastructure.
