Although the Panama Pacific Economic Zone has a strategic location for its development, the vehicle traffic generated in the area remains a pending challenge for its administration. Therefore, together with the Transit and Land Transport Authority (ATTT), they have implemented a series of measures to facilitate the mobility of drivers. However, their effectiveness largely depends on the completion of the fourth bridge over the Panama Canal. Javier Suárez Pinzón, administrator of the Panama Pacific Agency (APP), acknowledged that the expansion of the Roberto F. Chiari highway to 8 lanes has eased traffic towards the West, but its effects are imperceptible due to the lack of structures to continue this route towards the capital city. He mentioned that while this deficiency persists, the stretch between Panama Pacific and the Bridge of the Americas will remain saturated 24 hours a day, affecting the entry of students, workers, travelers, and goods into the area, which records an average of 25,000 daily vehicle movements. "We are perfectly located, our location cannot be better, but we are missing a key project: the fourth bridge," indicated the administrator in an interview with this medium. Suárez Pinzón detailed that while the work is being completed, checkpoints within the perimeter are being updated to avoid further congestion. The purpose of these modifications is for these posts to be automated, reducing drivers' waiting time so that the area maintains its investment appeal. Additionally, it is expected that the stop of Metro line 3, strategically located at the entrance of Panama Pacific, will further streamline traffic to this part of the country. As of September, the construction of the fourth bridge over the Canal had advanced by 22%, and its delivery is scheduled for August 2028. This project even originated a complaint with the Public Ministry against the previous administration for alleged negligent management and cost overruns amounting to 1.8 billion dollars. Both President José Raúl Mulino and the Minister of Public Works, José Luis Andrade, have criticized the past government's decisions regarding the structure. They argue that changes to the design affected its budget, delivery time, and the quality of life of citizens who must spend long hours in traffic to get home. Characteristics The cable-stayed bridge will have 3.6 kilometers, 6 lanes, viaducts, interchanges, and permanent tolls. Authorities have mentioned that a toll rate for this route, which is expected to benefit more than 2 thousand people, has not yet been set.
