Study launched into Panama Canal crossing

A joint venture between engineering consultants URS and COWI has been appointed to find a site for a vehicular crossing of the expanded Panama Canal. The crossing will be either a bridge or tunnel on the Atlantic side.

The crossing is part of the US$ 5.2 billion scheme to expand the Panama Canal, which gained approval in 2007 and is due for completion in 2014. When finished, the expanded canal will allow passage of larger ships than is currently possible.

URS has already won several contracts on the Panama Canal and has carried out other work in the country including including Environmental Impact Studies for the Panama-Colón Highway and for the Southern Corridor, the design of the Borinquen Dams and development of the Metropolitan Plan for the cities of Panama and Colón.