🚤 Chacao Channel

The Chacao Channel is located in Los Lagos Region, Chile and separates Chiloé Island from mainland Chile. The channel is about 40 kilometres (25 mi) long and 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) wide and connects the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Ancud. The channel was created during the Quaternary glaciations by successive glaciers that flowed down from the Andes to the coast. The construction of a bridge connecting the island with the continent was discussed at government level for some time, but during the first government of Michelle Bachelet (2006–2010) it was turned down due to its high cost in comparison with other proposals that could be done to benefit islanders. Later, it was reactivated during Sebastián Piñera government, and finally auctioned. Construction started in 2017 and expected to be completed in 2028.