Colombia is experiencing a new era in infrastructure

2015 just ended, and the country has begun to move, thanks to roads and modern standards that will soon make life safer for drivers and passengers.

The biggest step has been in the infrastructure area, with the development of the Fourth Generation Highways program. There are currently underway 30 4G road megaprojects; roads that decrease travel times and reduce accidents, due its smaller curvature ratio which allow to raise the speed limit.

The particularity of these works is that they are built by public-private partnerships. The contractors are paid only for the delivering period of the sections, as them can be put on service.

At the end of 2015, another change was the (mandatory) introduction of new security measures in automobiles, such as airbags and ABS brake systems, elements that contribute to saving lives.

In addition, the standard to introduce the system of electronic tolls on all country roads was confirmed, thus allowing a greater traffic flow.

In the second half of 2015, the contract initiation act for the navigability recover of Magdalena River, the largest river of the country, was signed. Such contract has a value of 2.5 billion pesos and a duration of 13 years and a half. The goal is to reach 10 million tons, mobilized per year across the river.

Major infrastructure works in the aviation sector.

After signing the free trade agreements, the Civil Aviation authority has advanced in the modernization of all international airports in the country.

According to the Civil Aviation, 35 works corresponded to interventions in runways, 27 for platform extensions, 21 for passenger terminals, 9 for control towers and 8 for cargo terminals.

Among the completed works, modernization of El Dorado, Cartagena, Cali and Medellin airports is highlighted. Now, by expanding platforms, these terminals may receive larger aircrafts, such as the Airbus 330 with capacity for over 280 passengers.

In order to improve the potential of air cargo harness and passenger connectivity, in this four-year period the Civil Aviation has added 9 new commercial air agreements (which include China, Canada, Ecuador, Israel and Turkey). Also it has revised 12 agreements (which will cover Spain, Mexico, Brazil, United Arab Emirates and Portugal) allowing more options for creating and increasing flight frequencies.

Colombia is today, thanks to the El Dorado Airport in Bogota, the first destination loading in the region, and the third for passengers. In conclusion, Colombia has entered in a new era of infrastructure, ranking at the top 3 of the region.