ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay - The Paraguayan government has announced a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and improving accessibility to and from the nation's capital, Asunción. The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) revealed plans for a USD 180 million (approximately KRW 240 billion) investment to develop what it terms "the first high-speed access and egress system" designed to reduce commute times and bolster road safety within the metropolitan region.

At the heart of this ambitious project lies the construction of a 4-kilometer elevated urban highway traversing the city of Luque, complemented by the addition of two crucial access corridors to connect with National Route PY02. This undertaking will be facilitated through an amendment to the existing contract with "Rutas del Este," a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Special Purpose Entity (SOE) currently responsible for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the PY02 highway (Ipacaraí-Caaguazú section).

While Minister of Public Works and Communications, Claudia Centurión, refrained from disclosing specific details of the contract modification, she underscored the pressing need to address the escalating traffic bottlenecks plaguing access routes to Asunción. Minister Centurión highlighted that the daily influx of 1.3 million people into the capital has resulted in significant travel delays and strain on the existing transportation infrastructure. She stated that this project seeks to "decongest the road network of the metropolitan area." Furthermore, she affirmed the government's commitment to long-term development through public-private collaboration, noting, "Today, with this contract amendment, we reaffirm the public sector's trust in the private sector for long-term development."

The centerpiece of the project, the 4-kilometer elevated urban highway, will feature four lanes (two in each direction) and will establish a vital link between the Ñu Guasú and Silvio Pettirossi highways. In an official statement, the MOPC emphasized that "this solution has been meticulously designed to ensure seamless compatibility with the future suburban train system, while respecting the urban dynamics of Luque and the mobility of both pedestrians and vehicles."

President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, hailed the initiative as "the largest urban development project in the history of Paraguay, demonstrating the commitment of the public sector and the involvement of the private sector." He further elaborated that "allowing the private sector to conduct the bidding process and manage financing will expedite the execution of the project."

To enhance connectivity with National Route PY02, two key access corridors will be newly developed or significantly improved. The first corridor, connecting Ypacaraí-Areguá-Luque, will originate at kilometer 41 of PY02, substantially improving access to the capital from Ypacaraí, Patiño, Areguá, and Luque. The MOPC stated that "the construction of a new bypass in Areguá will enhance traffic safety, reduce travel times, and stimulate the commercial and artisanal development of the area."

The second corridor, linking Ipacaraí-San Bernardino-Luque (Tarumandy), will commence at kilometer 43 of PY02. This section will include the widening of lanes at the San Bernardino access point and along key segments of the San Bernardino-Luque route. Additionally, the MOPC detailed that "a left-turn lane and a direct access lane will be added at the Nueva Colombia junction, and a new access point connecting to PY02 will be constructed."

These two corridors will form a crucial primary road network for accessing PY02, integrating with the Silvio Pettirossi and Ñu Guasú highways to achieve the overarching goal of "improving the flow of access and egress to the Asunción metropolitan area."

Amílcar Guillén, Director of Strategic Projects at the MOPC, indicated that the current road project is in its final design phase, with the subsequent bidding process for construction to follow. He noted that Rutas del Este is well-positioned to participate in the tender, having already demonstrated a commitment to securing project financing. Current projections anticipate the awarding of the contract in August, with construction slated to commence before the end of the year.

The MOPC underscored that "this new road system will benefit the cities of Asunción, Luque, Areguá, Ypacaraí, San Bernardino, Nueva Colombia, and Emboscada, alleviating traffic congestion in major urban centers and providing citizens with more efficient, safer, and sustainable mobility." Beyond construction, the project encompasses the operation and maintenance of the entire road network, ensuring its "long-term functionality."

This ambitious undertaking signals a significant step towards modernizing Paraguay's infrastructure and addressing the growing transportation demands of its capital and surrounding metropolitan region. The collaboration between the public and private sectors is expected to expedite the project's realization and deliver tangible benefits to the daily lives of countless citizens.

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