Excerpt and Photo from en.mercopress.com
Governor Jorge Flies of the Chilean Magallanes and Antarctica Region announced a project to build an underwater tunnel linking the mainland with Tierra del Fuego, an initiative from which Argentina would also benefit. The proposal submitted during a National Conference on Policies for Extreme Zones in Chile seeks to replace the current barge 3.7 kilometers crossing through the Strait of Magellan. The 4-kilometer submarine tunnel would entail a US$1.5 billion investment.
The initiative would provide a definitive solution by directly and stably connecting the mainland with Tierra del Fuego, improving mobility in this strategic binational zone. The current barge crossing system faces significant limitations, especially in adverse weather conditions that affect the timeliness and safety of travel, it was explained.
It also seeks to strengthen regional integration between Chile and Argentina, reducing travel times and boosting international trade and tourism.