The Sirius offshore gas project in the Caribbean Sea has the potential to nearly quadruple Colombia's natural gas reserves and contribute 65% of the country's current production. ^[1] Construction began on the first viaduct on the road between Barranquilla and Ciénaga at kilometer 19 to protect the route from erosion and ensure safer travel. ^[2] Alcindo Moritz, President of Petrobras Colombia, warned that the project cannot be held hostage by a community demanding payments 20 times higher than those agreed with the other 116 communities involved. ^[3] Ecopetrol General Manager Elsa Jaimes stated that a single fishing community near Santa Marta is demanding extortionate payments that threaten the project's viability. ^[4] The project requires a prior consultation process to secure an environmental license from the National Environmental Licensing Authority (Anla) before production can start between 2030 and 2031. ^[5] Elsa Noguera, the Minister of Transport, announced the start of the project on September 3, 2026, as part of the 'Patria Milagro' initiative. ^[6] The new viaduct structure will have an extension of approximately 5 kilometers. ^[7] The project aims to consolidate a double-lane highway and improve connectivity for communities living around the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta. ^[8]