The Strait of Magellan could become home to an ambitious underwater tunnel, according to plans presented by the governor of the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region, Jorge Flies. This megaproject aims to connect the continental territory of Chili with the Big Island of Tierra del Fuego, an area shared with Argentina and difficult to access.
Currently, the only means to reach the island is via barges which, although functional, face serious limitations due to weather conditions, reduced hours and restricted capacity. According to Flies, the tunnel submarine would be a definitive solution to guarantee the continuity of transportation, improving the security and accessibility of this strategic region.
The plan includes a first phase of feasibility studies, with an initial investment of 100 million dollars. If declared viable, the construction of the tunnel would require a total budget of 1.5 billion dollars, which would be financed by a combination of public and private funds, with the collaboration of Chili and Argentina.
In addition to enhancing connectivity, the tunnel seeks to promote international trade and tourism in the region, becoming a key axis for binational economic development. However, its construction would also impact the current Primera Angostura crossing, which operates with barges and could be replaced by this modern infrastructure.
Although he megaproject is in an initial stage, the benefits promise to transform the transit and development of Tierra del Fuego, establishing a new link between the two South American nations.
