Design of the Américo Vespucio Oriente Highway (AVO)

From a development perspective, AVO is divided into two phases: AVO I (Built) and AVO II (In Development). In turn, AVO I is made up of two sectors: Sector 1 and Sector 2. Each of these sectors has presented unique challenges that have required complex solutions and comprehensive technical and social approaches.

Solutions in Sector 1

For Sector 1, which extends from Avenida El Salto to Avenida Francisco de Riveros, a three-lane viaduct was designed for the trunk with an approximate length of 1,400 m, and a mine tunnel with three lanes approximately 2,100 m in length. Additionally, access and connection branches were included, giving relevance to the approximately 500 m long mine branch of AVO I with the “Costnera Norte” concession. Originally, this stretch experienced high traffic congestion for long periods of the day, especially at junctions with other roads. The construction of the AVO I highway alleviated this situation, improving mobility and reducing travel times.

In addition to improving mobility and reducing congestion, the project has preserved the character of the corridor and improved the existing park, guaranteeing its integration and producing the urban rehabilitation of the sector. Benefits of this project include: improvement of road safety, reduction of noise and atmospheric emissions, and the revamping of the park with better design components, tree planting, equipment and infrastructure.

Sector 1 Variant and WSP Solution

The reference project for Sector 1 presented three important safety problems related to the initial length of the tunnel, the Mapocho branch, and the braiding of vehicles from Avenida El Salto. To solve these problems and significantly improve safety, WSP proposed raising and clearly separating the concessions, simplifying and making the connection with the Costanera Norte Highway safer, and reducing the length of the tunnels, which also allowed one of them to be used as emergency access in case of accidents.

In addition to improving safety, this proposal reduced the effects on users and the environment during the construction phase. The viaduct is located in an area of clearings with extensive vegetation, which minimizes its visual impact from the surroundings.

For Sector 2, which runs from Avenida Francisco de Riveros to Príncipe de Wales, an urban highway was designed with two express lanes and three lanes in each direction, laid out in two-story tunnels. This phase enriched urban connectivity and mobility in the communes of Huechuraba, Recoleta, Vitacura, Las Condes, La Reina and Ñuñoa. Featured solutions include: 

• Improved connectivity:
  The construction of this urban highway significantly improves connectivity in the area, allowing a more fluid flow of traffic and reducing travel times between the communities involved.

• Reduction of noise pollution:
  Thanks to the implementation of tunnels for the highway layout, a significant reduction in noise pollution has been achieved, benefiting both nearby residents and road users.

• Improved air quality:
  The reduction of road congestion and the implementation of more efficient road infrastructure contributes to the mitigation of harmful emissions, thus improving the city’s air quality.

• Environment preservation:
  As in Sector 1, special care was taken to preserve the environment and the character of the corridor, guaranteeing the conservation of Vespucio Park and its value as an emblematic green space.

• Public spaces and cycle paths:
  Cycle lanes and public spaces are incorporated, including viewpoints, enriching the experience of pedestrians and cyclists, and allowing them to enjoy the natural environment while moving through the city.

• Improved road safety:
  Solutions such as the clear separation of concessions allow for improved road safety in the area, reducing risks and increasing safe decision-making for users.

• Reduction of impacts during construction:
  As in Sector 1, we sought to minimize the effects on both users and the environment during the construction of the project, guaranteeing a positive experience for all involved.

With regard to landscaping and the environment, the project contemplated the redesign of Américo Vespucio Park, preserving and respecting its character, while also improving it by generating segregated paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Approximately 50% of the existing trees were reused and about 2,150 new trees were planted. The landscaping is complemented with urban furniture, walls that contain unevenness and the use of ornamental screeds. In addition, the 10 existing cultural elements were removed and temporarily protected.

Moreover, the project did not generate its own atmospheric emissions in the operation stage, since the emissions were only associated with the suspension of dust and the combustion of engines by the automotive fleet. A study of emissions in operation was carried out to verify these statements, and the results showed that the project will have a positive effect on emissions in the metropolitan area by increasing traffic speed and reducing detentions.

Under the Future Ready® gaze

The Américo Vespucio Oriente Concession has transformed urban mobility in Santiago, Chile, thanks to engineering solutions in Sectors 1 and 2. Different engineering specialties, brought together in this project, resulted in improved road infrastructure, reduced traffic congestion and enriched urban landscape, demonstrating an environmentally responsible approach and positioning itself as a reference for the modernization of transportation in the city.