Chile’s public works ministry (MOP) pushed forward the inauguration of the Acceso Sur highway stretch to Thursday, public works minister Hernán de Solminihac told reporters.

The highway stretch, part of the Santiago-Talca highway concession south of the capital, was not expected to be opened until end-April.

The measure is part of government efforts to improve connectivity after Chile’s central and southern highways were damaged by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake on February 27.

The initiative is also part of a contingency plan launched by MOP to cope with traffic congestion over the Easter weekend that begins on April 2.

The contingency plan, to be carried out until April 5, will also involve increasing the number of staff operating toll booths; preventive highway monitoring; and special assistance on urban and inter-urban highways.

MOP will also implement safety measures on pedestrian bridges and remove rubble from roads damaged by the earthquake.

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