Thanks to the joint work between the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI), the concessionaire Ruta Bogotá Norte SAS and the auditor AFA Consultores y Constructores SA, it was filed with the National Environmental License Agency (Anla) the application for an environmental license for the North Access project to Bogotá Phase II. This project seeks to expand the North Highway from 193rd Street to 245th Street and the Seventh Street between 201st and 245th Streets, in addition to the construction of the Sopó Perimeter, in order to improve mobility at the northern exit of the city. .
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In the new characteristics presented to Anla for Functional Units 1 to 5, it is included measures focused on water and ecosystem connectivity, harmonization with the hydraulic calculations of the drainage works defined by the Bogotá Aqueduct and Sewage Company (EAAB) and the Environmental Management Plan (PMA) of the Torca and Guaymaral wetlands. Likewise, the implementation of wildlife crossings and compensation of 98 hectares for loss of biodiversity is contemplated.
Among the highlighted environmental measures is the construction of five fauna passes, designed based on the “hot spots” identified in previous modeling. These steps follow the guidelines of the Fauna Passages Manual, the PMA of the Torca and Guaymaral wetlands, and the Management Plan for the Northern Zone (POZ Norte). For its construction, the use of sustainable materials such as recycled plastic and wood is planned.
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Regarding the expansion of Carrera Séptima between streets 201 and 245, We are waiting for the delivery of the properties by the District and the preparation of detailed studies that will allow the new environmental license process to begin before Anla.
The concessionaire Ruta Bogotá Norte SAS, in compliance with its contractual obligations, presented the Environmental Impact Study (EIA) to Anla on June 1, 2023. Initially, the procedures to obtain the environmental license were scheduled for April 16, 2023. 2023, but they were adjusted to May 28 of the same year.
However, on January 2, 2024, Anla ordered the application to be archived due to lack of information. In response, the concessionaire filed an appeal for reconsideration on January 18, 2024. On May 8 of the same year, Anla confirmed through Auto 2996 the filing of the initial application, also requesting endorsements from the EAAB, the Fundación Humedales de Torca (FLT) and the District Planning Secretariat (SDP).
Subsequently, and in response to the observations issued by Anla, the concessionaire began the preparation of a new EIA. At the same time, progress was made in coordination with various district entities to obtain the necessary endorsements and guarantee the harmonization of studies and designs with environmental requirements.
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Roads in Colombia
Courtesy Juan Carlos Cuervo
The fundamental objective of the North Access project to Bogotá Phase II is to develop a high-specification road corridor that optimizes the connection between Bogotá and the departments and municipalities located to the north of the city. The current roads included in the project comprise a total length of 5.83 kilometers for the North Highway and 4.93 kilometers for the Seventh Highway, in addition to the construction of the Sopó Perimeter.
In its pre-operational stage and pre-construction phase, The project also contemplates the operation and maintenance of the existing infrastructure. With a total length of 17.96 kilometers and an estimated investment of $1.7 billion (Capex figure 2023), the project seeks to decongest vehicular traffic between Bogotá and municipalities such as Chía, Sopó, Tocancipá, Zipaquirá and Cajicá, in addition to improving the connectivity with the departments of Boyacá, Santanderes and the north of the country.
PAULA GALEANO BALAGUERA
Portfolio Journalist
