Buga - Buenaventura Highway Project The proposed project includes the upgrading and rehabilitation of the aforementioned
Section II comprising of the existing road between Loboguerrero and the Port of
Buenaventura. The existing single carriageway road will be enhanced to a dual carriageway to cater for the expected traffic increase and respond to the safety measures. The project main components are:
a) Civil Works: Includes the construction and paving of the dual carriageway,
rehabilitation of the existing pavement, construction of viaducts, concrete walls
and embankments, drainage and other minor works. Signs and demarcation, and complementary works are also included, as is the relocation of telephone and power poles, fibre optics and environmental mitigation works, among others. The works will be executed as follows:
(i) construction of a dual carriageway (i.e.: additional two lanes) from
Loboguerrero to Buenaventura including tunnels, bridges and
viaducts as needed;
(ii) rehabilitation of the Loboguerrero-Buenaventura road within 36
months, including asphalt overlay and improvements to sections in
critical condition due to recurring landslides and drainage
deficiencies; and
(iii) modification of the existing roadway�s road alignment to reduce
transport costs and minimize he impact of natural phenomena.
b) Project Studies and Design: this component comprises all the studies and services
needed to develop and manage the project, finalize the engineering designs, and
assure quality control of construction and operation activities undertaken in the
project during the pre-construction and construction phases.
The design of the project activities under this component are essential due to the anticipated challenges presented by pronounced gradients, rainfall erosion and 16 intense tropical soil weathering of sections of the terrain, making them highly susceptible to degradation. In addition to modifications in the current route, geometric modifications and geosynthetic reinforcement measures are also being considered.
c) Supervision: external supervision services to be appointed, prior to the initiation of the construction phase, by INVIAS. A supervision firm7 will oversee the execution of the commissioned contracts. The terms of reference of the firm will cover supervision of the construction of project works, monitoring compliance with technical specifications and performance standards set forth for construction and maintenance of the project road network; monitoring compliance with the project's Environmental Management Plan; auditing project funds; and verifying project expenditures.
d) Environmental Management Plan: the implementation of the project is expected to have positive impacts in relation to the environmental and social aspects in the zone of influence of the Road. Possible negative impacts as a result of the works will be studied and defined in Environmental Management Plans, including remedial and mitigating measures. The implementation of the Plan will be supervised by professional specialists to be recruited by INVIAS to support the work in the field. Furthermore it is required that all the environmental permits required under Colombian Law be obtained from the competent authorities before commencing any works.