Paraguay wraps up first stretch of Bioceanic highway – what comes next?

Paraguay's public works ministry (MOPC) has officially inaugurated the first completed section of the Bioceanic highway. Meanwhile, a second section is under construction and the government aims to advance with two more before a new administration takes office next year.

The first section of the highway required an investment of US$443mn and consisted of repaving a 276km stretch between Carmelo Peralta (Alto Paraguay department) and Loma Plata (Boquerón), the MOPC said in a release. The works were carried out by Consorcio Corredor Vial Bioceánico.

The second section is already under construction and involves a third bridge over the Paraguay River that forms the border with Brazil, connecting Carmelo Peralta with Puerto Murtinho, public works minister Arnoldo Wiens said during the ceremony to open the first section.

The third section entails 227km between Mariscal Estigarribia and Pozo Hondo in Boquerón department. The River Plate basin development fund Fonplata has approved US$354mn in financing for this project, but the loan is still awaiting approval from the Paraguayan senate.

Wiens said that a tender for the third section is expected to be launched in the first half of this year, which would enable works to begin during the second half of 2022. He also said that the fourth section, a bridge over the Pilcomayo river, is expected to be financed with the Fonplata loan.

Lastly, the 110km section between Cruce Centinela (Alto Paraguay) and Mariscal Estigarribia would have to be handled by the next administration, which takes office next year. Wiens said he was hopeful a tender could be launched in 2024. 

Photo credit: Government of Paraguay.