Contraloría warns: Toyo Tunnel will finish its civil works, but will not be operational until 2028

The Colombian Office of the Comptroller has issued a warning that while civil works on the Toyo Tunnel will conclude by 2027, the project will not be operational until 2028 due to delays in installing essential technological equipment. The tunnel, intended to connect Medellín with the Urabá region in Antioquia, faces a critical bottleneck in its progress as the installation of electromechanical systems has yet to begin despite public announcements from the National Infrastructure Agency (Invías). This delay threatens to extend the completion date significantly beyond initial expectations. According to the Comptroller's office, a technical visit conducted on July 16 confirmed concerns over a notable setback in starting the installation of vital components such as ventilation, lighting, and safety systems. These elements are crucial for the tunnel’s functionality once the physical structure is complete. The agency highlighted a one-year gap between the advancement of civil works and the commencement of technological installations, which could lead to prolonged inactivity after the structural phase concludes. Civil works on the Toyo Tunnel have been progressing under the jurisdiction of the Antioquia Department Government and Medellín City Hall. As of now, the first section of the tunnel, stretching from Cañasgordas to Giraldo, is fully completed, while the second segment, connecting Giraldo to Santa Fe de Antioquia, is nearing 80% completion. However, the lack of progress on the electromechanical front has raised alarms among officials and industry stakeholders. Despite Invías' public declaration on June 17 that work on electromechanical systems had begun, the Comptroller's audit found no evidence of activity on-site. The contractor responsible for these installations was reportedly absent from the area. This discrepancy has prompted the Comptroller to urge the Ministry of Transport and Invías to develop an emergency plan aimed at bridging the gap and accelerating the installation process. Industry leaders have expressed concern over the implications of this delay. Juan David Pérez Ortiz, Executive Director of the Antioquia Chapter of the Colombian Infrastructure Chamber, emphasized that local authorities have adhered strictly to their commitments. He noted that the current state of the tunnel reflects a broader issue of coordination and execution within the national infrastructure framework. The Toyo Tunnel, spanning 9.73 kilometers, is set to become the longest road tunnel in South America. Its completion would drastically reduce travel time between Medellín and the port city of Urabá, currently taking around four and a half hours. The project has attracted substantial public investment totaling approximately $5.3 billion, making its timely operation a priority for regional economic integration and connectivity. The situation highlights the challenges faced by large-scale infrastructure projects in Colombia, particularly in managing multiple phases involving different entities and timelines. While the civil works are on track to finish in early 2027, the absence of a clear schedule for the technological components leaves uncertainty regarding the tunnel’s future readiness. The Comptroller’s warning underscores the need for immediate action to align all aspects of the project. With the new national government poised to take office soon, there is anticipation about potential policy changes that might expedite the process. Until then, the Toyo Tunnel remains a symbol of both ambition and the complexities inherent in executing such massive undertakings.