26 Aug Centenario Bridge
By Natalie Warner
We previously wrote about Bridge of the Americas and how it was needed in order support an increase of traffic. Although the bridge was a feasible solution in the 60’s, traffic, along with the rest of Panama, continued to grow. By 2000 the need for a second bridge over the Panama Canal was recognized. The result was the building of the Puente Centenario, or Centenario Bridge.
The Centenario Bridge is currently one of two bridges to cross the Panama Canal. It is located 15km (9.3 mi) north of Bridge of the Americas and crosses the Culebra Cut. A contract was awarded in 2002 for a cost of $120 million.
The construction deadline was ambitious; the Panamanian government wanted the bridge to be completed in time for the 90th anniversary of the first ship transit of the Panama Canal. The first ship to pass through the Canal was the Ancon on August 15, 1914.
This gave the construction company 29 months to complete the bridge. A bridge under construction also meant highway expansions. New freeway sections were added, connecting Arraijan to Cerro Patacon. The bridge was inaugurated on schedule, on August 15, 2004. Although the bridge was completed, it was not open for traffic use for another month due to highway construction.
The bridge is 1052m (3,451ft) total in length. The west tower is built slightly more inland than a traditional bridge, which accommodates for potential Canal expansions. The bridge clearance is 80, (262ft) and had to be tall enough for the floating crane, Titan, to pass under. The Titan is one of four floating cranes built in Germany during World War 2. It was acquired by the United States and brought to Panama in 1996. It is used primarily for lock repairs.
Flooding and heavy rains in December 2010 damaged access to the bridge. Traffic was diverted to Bridge of the Americas. It took 11 months for the bridge to be fully restored. Approximately 31,400 vehicles used the bridge daily in 2014. This is still less traffic compared to Bridge of the Americas, which gets nearly 50,000 vehicles daily.
Although it may get less traffic compared to Bridge of the Americas, the Centenario Bridge has reduced traffic driving in and out of Panama City. It can also serve as an alternative route for anyone wanting to access Corridor Norte.