Public consultation begins on environmental study for MiBus exclusive lanes on Vía España

Panama has opened public consultation on the environmental impact study for expanding MiBus exclusive lanes along a 5.417-kilometer stretch of Vía España.

The project would run from Avenida Porras to Avenida Cincuentenario, also known as Calle Este, crossing the districts of Río Abajo, Parque Lefevre, San Francisco and Pueblo Nuevo in Panama district. The Public Works Ministry is presenting the work under a turnkey model.

The plans include complementary infrastructure along the route. They call for the conversion of Parque Afroantillano, also known as Parque Cídney Young, in Río Abajo; new pedestrian infrastructure; improvements to stormwater drainage; and the rehabilitation of two vehicle bridges, including the bridge over the Río Abajo.

The Category II environmental study lists temporary negative effects during construction, including noise, dust, gas emissions, disruption to mobility, erosion risks and the loss of vegetation cover. Proposed mitigation measures include acoustic barriers, watering work areas, planting 2,000 native trees, protecting bodies of water and rescuing local flora and fauna.

The study anticipates shorter public-transport travel times, greater value for public space and a gradual improvement in air quality once the project is operating. Residents can review the full file at the Metropolitan Regional Directorate and the Environment Ministry's headquarters in Albrook. Public forums are scheduled for September 17 at the Centro de la Medalla Milagrosa de la Iglesia de Piedra and September 18 at the Instituto Panamericano gymnasium, both from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Written comments must be submitted to MiAmbiente within eight working days of the official notice's final publication.