The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) of Panama has announced the start of work on the expansion and redesign of the Omar Torrijos Highway. The project, which began in 2018, faced numerous issues, including lawsuits and breaches of contract by the initial contractor. In 2020, the contract with the initial consortium was terminated. The new works will begin at critical points that were impacted by the previous seven years of work. The project's cost has increased from $89.1 million to $105 million. The new amount includes three years of maintenance by the contractor, a point not contemplated in the initial phase. The project will be executed under a 'turnkey' modality by the Caminos de Omar consortium. The purpose of the expansion is to improve connectivity between the Bridge of the Americas, the future Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal, and the Centenario Bridge. Among the novelties is the elimination of the at-grade railway crossing in the Miraflores area. The new design also aims to avoid the problems that occurred before.
Cost of Panama's Omar Torrijos Highway Expansion Project Rises to $105 Million
Panama's MOP announced the start of the Omar Torrijos Highway expansion. The project cost increased to $105 million due to a redesign and the inclusion of three years of maintenance. Work will begin at critical points.
