Panama begins rehabilitation of Guanche River bridge after crack detected

The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) in Panama has initiated rehabilitation efforts on the bridge spanning the Guanche River in the Portobelo district of Colón province. The work began Monday after an assessment revealed a fissure in one of the columns supporting the structure.

Elvín Ábrego, the regional director for MOP, explained that studies indicated deterioration in the components bearing the bridge's weight. "The main point of intervention will be the column that presents the fissure," Ábrego stated, adding that the deterioration affects the columns, beams, and slabs that carry the entire load.

The rehabilitation is expected to take approximately 30 days, contingent on favorable weather conditions. During this period, the left lane of the bridge, in the direction of Costa Arriba de Colón, will remain closed. Personnel from MOP, the Transit and Land Transport Authority (ATTT), and the company contracted for the work are coordinating traffic management and site demarcation.

Authorities are urging drivers, transporters, and residents to heed the directions provided by officials while the construction is underway to ensure safety and facilitate the repair process.