Panama's MOP Launches Project to Expand Roads for Public Transport

The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) of Panama reported that it is executing the Project for the Study, Design, Construction, and Financing of the Expansion of Exclusive Lanes for Mi Bus on Vía España, which covers the stretch between Avenida Porras and Avenida Cincuentenario. This important road infrastructure project aims to improve mobility in the city of Panama by expanding Vía España to accommodate exclusive public transport lanes for Mi Bus in its central axis. The Ministry clarifies that as it is an expansion project, the lanes on Vía España will be completely new and will comply with the design sections established in the contract. Regarding the start of work, the MOP informs that the contracting company has initiated the preliminary procedures established in the Bidding Documents and has received the work authorization, so topographical surveys and community outreach are currently being carried out. Regarding businesses and establishments located along the route, the MOP reminds that Vía España has a 40-meter road servitude, certified by the Ministry of Housing and Territorial Planning (MIVIOT). The construction of sidewalks with a minimum width of two meters along the entire project route is also contemplated. The objective, says the MOP, is to rehabilitate the road network in the area, improve safety and accessibility for the population, and strengthen the integration of this sector with the rest of the city. Civil works include the relocation of the aqueduct and sewerage system, as well as the undergrounding of electrical and telecommunications infrastructure. Construction work will be carried out once the contract is endorsed by the Comptroller General of the Republic, a procedure that is in progress. The project is located on one of the capital's routes with the highest vehicular demand, will generate jobs and contribute to economic recovery in 2026. The implementation of 17 intersections regulated by centralized traffic lights is also planned, four of which will be additional to the existing ones, with priority for buses and the incorporation of new phases. According to the MOP, this project is being developed under a Turnkey modality, represents an investment of B/. 80.113 million, plus financing, and will be in charge of the C&T Vía España Consortium, formed by Constructora Urbana, S.A. and Toronto Holdings. It was reported that the work will have a total length of 5.4 kilometers and includes within its scope the comprehensive evaluation of the sections to be rehabilitated between Avenida Porras and Avenida Cincuentenario. Meanwhile, in the Río Abajo sector, it contemplates the reconversion of the Afro-Antillean Park (Sidney Young Park) as part of the comprehensive urban improvements planned.