**Panama Advances 5 % on “Ampliación del Corredor de las Playas” Project**
*Panama City, August 29, 2026* – Six months after the official start of construction, the “Ampliación del Corredor de las Playas – Tramo Carretera Panamericana El Espino–Sajalices y Variante Campana” is reported to be 5 % complete in physical terms. The progress corresponds to a disbursement of US $13 million out of the total budget of US $228.5 million allocated for the project.
The update was provided by Public Works Minister José Luis Andrade during an on‑site inspection in the Capira district. Andrade emphasized the need to keep the roadway “transitable and safe for users,” directing the contractor, Constructora Meco, S.A., to clean the central island and patch existing potholes along the 19‑kilometre stretch under construction.
Regarding the addition of new pedestrian bridges requested by residents of La Chorrera and Capira, Andrade noted that any such extensions would depend on the ability to balance the project’s budget without incurring extra costs. He expressed confidence that, if the current work pace is maintained, the contractor will be able to deliver the project by 2028.
Current construction activities focus on upgrading drainage systems, removing waste material, laying a base layer in the former central ditch and adjacent road shoulders, and profiling the pavement to facilitate removal of the existing asphalt surface on the Pan-American Highway.
David Santos, a representative of Constructora Meco, clarified that the contract stipulates rehabilitation of 11 pedestrian bridges, which includes installation of lighting, painting, and roof replacement. He indicated that the decision to construct additional pedestrian crossings rests with the Ministry of Public Works (MOP).
Project director Lilian Gutiérrez highlighted that the upgraded corridor is expected to benefit more than two million people, particularly those traveling to interior regions on weekends and holidays. The expansion plan comprises three main sections, each featuring three lanes per direction to increase traffic capacity and flow between La Chorrera, Capira, and the entrance to Campana. The project also includes the “Variante Campana,” a 3.8‑kilometre viaduct with three lanes per direction designed to provide a safer and more efficient alternative to the existing Campana hill route.
The information was originally reported by *Panamá América* (source: https://www.panamaamerica.com.pa/provincias/ampliacion-del-corredor-de-las-playas-registra-5-de-avance-1265702).
Article and image source: panamaamerica.com.pa
