This mega-project is 5.4 kilometers long, of which 4.73 kilometers are on the water surface of La Virgen swamp in Cartagena.
The purpose of this road solution, in addition to improving connectivity and reducing travel times to and from Cartagena by up to 50%, was to preserve the mangrove area and minimize occupancy in La Virgen swamp, by implementing 5 strategies that prioritized the socio-environmental component and have made this work receive important recognitions such as the National Engineering Award and the National Environmental Award 2019, awarded by the Colombian Society of Engineers, and the Panamerican Award for Sustainable Development 2018, awarded by the Panamerican Union of Engineering Associations.
Among the 5 strategies to achieve an environmentally sustainable viaduct were the Top-Down construction method, which allowed the installation of the structural elements from top to bottom; recyclable geoblocks for shaping embankments; lighting with LED panels using solar energy; asphalt layer with recycled rubber installed in birds nesting areas; and water treatment systems for sediments and fats.
This project is part of the Cartagena-Barranquilla S.A.S. concession group, made up of Constructora MECO Colombia branch, MHC Engineering, Constructora Colpatria and Castro Tcherassi.
