International Railroad Discussion > New Bridge in Chile

The new bridge over the Bio Bio estuary in Concepcion, Chile is due to open in one direction July 21.  This will replace the 135-year old bridge,  which will be preserved as National Monument, which will probably become a bikeway/ hiking trail.  The new double track bridge will be fully open in both directions by October.  It will carry BioTren commuter trains which operate on 16 minute headways south from Concepcion to Coronel, in the fast growing suburban area of San Pedro de la Paz, as well as Fepasa and Transap freight trains.  The old bridge was badly damaged in the 8.8 earthquake of February 2010 but was repaired.  However,  this was the impetus to finally replace a single track bottleneck with a doubletrack structure.  Speaking of earthquakes,  the old bridge has experienced fourteen quakes of 8.0 magnatude or above over its long life,  including the mega 9.5 Valdivia temblor.  Photos below

1.  Newspaper photo of the two bridges as printed in El Mecurio today
2.  Fepasa Alco RSD20 1803 crossing on 12/29/97
3.  BioTren on 1/17/05

---

---

---

Beautifull old bridge, with a great history of success with big earthquakes. 
BTW, how long is it?

Pedro Rezende
Vespasiano MG,
https://youtube.com/c/minasgeraisrailways1

Both old and new bridges are listed at 1890 meters, or about 6200 feet, in length.

That's a big bridge!
masterphots Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Both old and new bridges are listed at 1890
> meters, or about 6200 feet, in length.

Pedro Rezende
Vespasiano MG,
https://youtube.com/c/minasgeraisrailways1

Likely, there will be more earthquakes. Have they provided any special construction with the new bridge to help mediate earthquake damage or facilitate repairs?

Victor Baird