On Friday, a specialized team from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began a technical assessment of the Bridge of the Americas following an explosion of three tankers, which caused visible damage to part of its structure.
The inspections began around 8:30 a.m., initially at the company facility where the explosion occurred. Subsequently, the American engineers, along with Panamanian technical personnel, moved to various points on the bridge to continue the assessments.
During the tour, specialists conducted inspections of both the lower and upper parts of the structure, including the roadway. Additionally, the taking of samples was observed, which will be subjected to more detailed analysis, even outside the country if necessary, with the aim of determining the real impact of smoke and flames on the steel and other components.
Despite the technical deployment, vehicular traffic over the bridge remains open in all lanes, with no impact on the flow.
The U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, participated in the inspection day and highlighted that the team's presence is in response to a request from the Panamanian government. He indicated that this support is part of the historical cooperation between the two countries and announced that the engineers will remain in the country until Tuesday.
According to his explanation, it is expected that a preliminary technical report will be delivered to the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) and the President of the Republic at the beginning of next week, which will serve as a basis for decision-making on possible interventions.
The diplomat also emphasized that the United States has the original blueprints of the bridge, built between 1959 and 1962, which allows for a more accurate assessment of its structural condition.
For his part, the Minister of Public Works, José Luis Andrade, clarified that to date, no extraordinary credit or additional allocations for repair work have been requested. However, he left open the possibility of managing resources before the Council of Cabinet if the technical evaluations so determine.
The head of the MOP added that not only the Bridge of the Americas is under review, but also the Centennial Bridge, due to its strategic importance for the country in connecting both ends of the Panama Canal.
As the assessments advance, the country awaits a technical diagnosis that will determine if the Bridge of the Americas requires urgent or corrective interventions.
