Chile's public works ministry (MOP) is planning to invest some 40bn pesos (US$82mn) in northern region II infrastructure projects during 2011, according to regional MOP director Rodolfo Gomez.

 

The ministry plans to complete large-scale projects including improving highways in regional capital Antofagasta, expanding highway Ruta 28 at the Ruta 5 intersection and repaving the Iberia-Quillagua stretch of Ruta 5.

 

MOP also aims to complete the concession of the El Loa airport terminal and improvements on Antofagasta's waterfront between the El Cable and Balneario Municipal districts, according to the ministry's website.

 

Some 26bn pesos were invested in the region during 2010, Gomez said, adding that the area faced a challenge as priority was given to the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by the earthquake that hit central-southern parts of the country in February.