"Advances in the New Central Highway and Ring Road transform Peruvian infrastructure."

The progress of the new Central Highway and the Peripheral Road Ring is marking a turning point in the road infrastructure of Peru, a country that has faced significant challenges in mobility and connectivity between regions for years. These emblematic works aim not only to improve the safety and efficiency of land transportation but also to promote economic development and the quality of life for citizens. Since the beginning of phase 2 of the New Central Highway in February of this year, an important step has been taken towards consolidating a project that promises to transform the way people and goods move. This phase focuses on the preparation of a definitive study that includes construction details and schedules, as well as the characteristics of the new highway, which will span 185 kilometers across six strategic regions: Lima, Huánuco, Pasco, Huancavelica, Junín, and Ucayali. This ambitious project includes the construction of four lanes, a central divider to enhance safety, and the implementation of infrastructures such as tunnels and viaducts, which will facilitate transit and reduce travel times. In total, 34 kilometers of tunnels and 19 kilometers of viaducts are projected, along with 24 kilometers of retaining walls to ensure the stability of the route. The total investment for this mega project exceeds 24 billion soles, a commitment that undoubtedly reflects the importance the Peruvian government places on modernizing its road network. The Peripheral Road Ring, with its extension of 34.8 kilometers, is also progressing at a good pace. This project, which has an investment exceeding 3.4 billion dollars, has been entrusted to Proinversión, which is responsible for designing, financing, constructing, operating, and maintaining the infrastructure. According to the Minister of Transport and Communications, Raúl Pérez Reyes, the implementation of this road ring will not only improve connectivity between the main avenues of Lima but will also help reduce vehicular traffic in the capital. It is estimated that the Peripheral Road Ring will benefit more than 5 million people by optimizing travel time and providing faster alternatives to access various areas of the city. The President of the Council of Ministers, Gustavo Adrianzén, has highlighted that this project will generate around 70,000 direct and indirect jobs during its construction, as well as an additional 20,000 jobs during the operation and maintenance phase, underscoring the positive impact it will have on the national economy. Both projects are presented as comprehensive solutions to the transportation problems facing the country. The New Central Highway, in addition to facilitating interprovincial transport, has the potential to boost trade in the regions it will connect, contributing to equity and regional development. Likewise, the Peripheral Road Ring is poised as an effective response to the challenge of vehicular congestion in Lima and Callao, interconnecting major routes such as the North and South Pan-American highways. The advancement of these works has been made possible thanks to collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as technical assistance from international organizations, such as the PMO Vías in the New Central Highway project, which is framed within an agreement between governments. This not only ensures a more efficient execution but also establishes a management model that can be replicated in future infrastructure initiatives. As these works continue to develop, expectations among citizens and businesses are growing. Many see these initiatives as an opportunity to improve the quality of life in the affected regions and, in general, contribute to a more connected and dynamic Peru. The modernization of road infrastructure is a key factor in attracting investment and promoting sustainable development in the country. Finally, it is important to highlight that the designation "Peripheral Road Ring" is due to the circular configuration that this new road will form as it passes through Lima, starting at the 200 Mile Oval in Callao and extending to the Circumvallation Avenue in San Luis. This feature will not only facilitate urban mobility but also represents a vision for the future in transportation planning in metropolitan areas. The success of these works will largely depend on the continuity of their financing and execution, as well as collaboration between the government and civil society. Without a doubt, the progress of the New Central Highway and the Peripheral Road Ring has become a matter of national interest, reflecting not only progress in infrastructure but also hope for a more promising future for transportation and economic development in Peru.