Events Health Local 2026-04-15T04:15:21+00:00

Bridge of the Americas in Panama Deemed Safe

An inter-agency technical team inspected the bridge after a fire. Specialists confirmed no critical damage but kept the vehicle weight restriction in place. Work continues to ensure safety.


Bridge of the Americas in Panama Deemed Safe

The Bridge of the Americas shows no immediate structural defects and is in a stable condition, according to an inspection conducted by the inter-institutional technical team led by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), with support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After reviewing pile 10, the superstructure, and the deck slab, specialists confirmed that no critical damage was found in the evaluated areas, even after the fire that occurred on April 6. However, the 10-ton vehicle load restriction remains in effect, a measure in place since 2009, while studies and maintenance work continue to ensure the safety of thousands of users. The report was presented by Edwin Lewis and Karen Caballero, MOP officials, who explained that the evaluations coincide between Panamanian and American technicians and that the bridge's behavior remains within normal parameters. Among the recommendations are additional scans of pile 10, structural monitoring with extensometers, material tests, and repainting of areas affected by heat, as well as tests on the deck slab. It was also highlighted that while there is paint wear and isolated corrosion, there are no visible deformations or damage to bolts or rivets. The study is being conducted jointly with the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) as part of a short, medium, and long-term evaluation plan to define future interventions in the structure.