Panama, February 14, 2026. Due to the Carnival festivities, severe traffic jams have been reported across the country. Despite traffic re-routing operations carried out by the National Police, thousands of drivers remain stuck in a gridlock that shows no sign of easing. On the Arraiján–La Chorrera highway, traffic stretches for several kilometers, even spilling onto the Playa Corridor viaduct, an infrastructure project that was meant to solve congestion in the old 'Espiga' but is now also overwhelmed. To bypass the highway jam, many drivers are diverting into the center of La Chorrera district, increasing traffic flow and further complicating circulation in the area. The traffic jam is being exploited by men and women of all ages who come out to sell food and refreshments to drivers stranded under the sun. Social media users are also reporting slow traffic in the Capira district, where progress is at a crawl. According to official data from the National Police, 52,162 vehicles had traveled to the country's interior provinces from 6:00 a.m. Thursday to 6:00 a.m. today, Saturday, February 14. The official report also details the application of 944 fines: 163 for speeding, 251 for failing to obey signals, 33 for disobedience, eight for proven drunkenness, and 64 for improper lights.
