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El Balboa Bridge Repairs in Panama Await Approval Despite Multi-Million Dollar Contract
🇵🇦 Panama /Energy & Infrastructure

El Balboa Bridge Repairs in Panama Await Approval Despite Multi-Million Dollar Contract

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Drivers and residents in Panama City are concerned about the deteriorating condition of the El Balboa modular bridge, demanding repairs.
  • A $11.6 million contract to rehabilitate the bridge was awarded in January, but work has not yet begun six months later, awaiting approval.
  • The bridge's poor state causes discomfort and potential mechanical damage to vehicles, with surrounding areas also showing neglect.

The El Balboa modular bridge in Panama City is a growing concern for drivers and residents who are denouncing its poor condition and demanding the promised rehabilitation work. The constant noise from passing vehicles signals the structure's advanced wear, with asphalt layers missing in several sections and visible deterioration in the bridge's joints, causing strong vibrations for cars and trucks.

"How much longer with this bridge? This has been going on for years," expressed one driver, highlighting the long-standing nature of the problem. The repair of this bridge is part of a contract awarded on January 7 by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) for $11.6 million. The contract was given to the Consorcio CUSA–Toronto Holdings, the same companies responsible for the Vía España expansion.

How much longer with this bridge? This has been going on for years.

— a driverExpressing frustration about the long-standing deterioration of the El Balboa bridge.

However, six months after the contract was awarded, the work has not commenced. "That contract is awaiting endorsement. I understand that its processing is very advanced, and the need for maintenance is undeniable," explained Iván de Ycaza, the Vice Minister of Public Works. Users of the road state that, in addition to being inconvenient, the bridge's deterioration can cause mechanical damage to vehicles, particularly to their suspension and shock absorption systems.

The El Balboa bridge is not the only one included in the rehabilitation plan. The contract also covers repairs for the modular bridges of Las Acacias, San Antonio, Los Pueblos, Brisas del Golf, Villa Lucre, and Paraíso, all located on the Tocumen highway, as well as those at Santa María La Antigua University (USMA), the National Assembly, Avenida 3 de Noviembre, and Avenida Martín Sosa. Adding to the structural deficiencies is the neglect of the area surrounding the El Balboa bridge, where issues of urban aesthetics and maintenance are also evident, a situation that users say highlights the need for comprehensive intervention in this infrastructure.

That contract is awaiting endorsement. I understand that its processing is very advanced, and the need for maintenance is undeniable.

— Iván de YcazaVice Minister of Public Works, explaining the delay in the bridge repair project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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