MOP, Army and Zapallar Municipality install mechanical bridge to restore connectivity on Route E-462 due to a hole

On Saturday afternoon, authorities including the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), the Chilean Army, and the municipal government of Zapallar began installing a temporary steel bridge to restore connectivity on Route E-462, which links Catapilco with La Laguna de Zapallar. The structure was deployed due to a deep sinkhole that appeared at kilometer 12 near Catapilco, disrupting traffic and local mobility. The installation ceremony took place in the presence of several high-ranking officials, including Louis de Grange, minister of Public Works and also responsible for Transport and Telecommunications, Manuel Millones, the regional presidential delegate for Valparaíso, and Gustavo Alessandri, mayor of Zapallar. Military representatives and other regional authorities were also present during the event. The modular steel bridge, prefabricated and designed for emergency use, weighs 56 tons, spans 42 meters in length, and has a roadway width of 3.45 meters. It is capable of supporting loads up to 15 tons and allows vehicles to pass at a maximum speed of 10 kilometers per hour. According to de Grange, more than 60 military workers have been deployed to complete the installation, drawing on their experience from previous projects. He estimated that the bridge could be operational by midweek, pending approval from the road safety team within the MOP. Mayor Alessandri emphasized that the bridge would help restore connectivity for residents affected by the disruption. He acknowledged the collaborative effort among different institutions to ensure the solution was implemented quickly while maintaining necessary safety standards. The mayor described the bridge as a temporary measure aimed at addressing immediate concerns until a permanent fix can be completed. A definitive solution to the problem is expected to take between seven and ten months, according to planning documents. This long-term project will involve more extensive engineering work to address the underlying cause of the sinkhole and reinforce the route's stability. The sinkhole at kilometer 12 on Route E-462 has caused significant challenges for local communities, particularly in terms of transportation and access to essential services. With the temporary bridge in place, traffic can resume under controlled conditions, although drivers must adhere to strict speed limits and weight restrictions to ensure the structure’s integrity. Authorities have confirmed that the bridge is part of a broader strategy to manage infrastructure risks in the area. While the current intervention focuses on restoring basic functionality, future plans include evaluating the geological conditions of the site to prevent similar incidents. Engineers are already assessing potential solutions for the long-term rehabilitation of the road. Military personnel continue working around the clock to finalize the installation process. Their efforts are supported by technical teams from the MOP, who conduct regular inspections to verify compliance with safety regulations. Local officials have assured residents that all measures are being taken to minimize disruptions and prioritize public safety. The deployment of the mechanical bridge marks a critical step in addressing the immediate consequences of the sinkhole. However, the focus remains on developing sustainable infrastructure that can withstand future challenges. As the temporary structure becomes operational, attention shifts toward implementing the comprehensive plan for the route’s long-term restoration.