President Bachelet inagurates new Autopista Nororiente

SANTIAGO.- The new Autopista Nororiente Freeway, which connects the municipalities of Vitacura and Las Condes with Colina and Lampa in only 15 minutes, opened today in the presence of President Michelle Bachelet.

The 21.5 kilometer-long structure has required an investment of over 270 million dollars and, starting today, will bring benefits to 500 thousand people.

The Chief of State stressed that this fifth freeway in the Greater Santiago urban area is "a palpable demonstration of the great infrastructural revolution that has been changing the face of our country throughout recent decades".

In an equally emphatic tone, the President pointed out that the structure is an  example "prosperous" cooperation between the public and private sectors which, in her opinion, should continue to grow during this complicated year of world economic crisis.

The President also stated that the Executive Branch "will do everything it can to manage the crisis", but indicated that it is important for business leaders as well as banks "to help, in their own ways, to create conditions that will reactivate the economy".