New Panama Canal bridge draws potential bidders by the boatload

A project to build a fourth bridge over the Panama Canal has attracted interest from some 40 companies from 16 countries, Panama's public works ministry (MOP) said.

The bridge would connect an area near the Marcos A. Gelabert international airport, on the outskirts of Panama City, with the Panama Pacifico area in Arraiján district.

Prequalification of companies is expected to begin in April and the final tender rules should be published in May.

Authorities plan to issue and sign a work authorization order before the end of the year, once a contractor has been chosen.

Last month MOP awarded US engineering consultancy T.Y. Lin International a US$17.8mn contract to provide technical and managerial assistance during the construction process.

Additionally, Panama's finance ministry approved funding of around US$1.1mn to hire US financial services firm Deloitte for the provision of financial and economic services related to the bridge.

The cable-stayed bridge will have a clearance height of around 75m, span 6.5km, and have eight lanes, six for cars and two for the future metro line No. 3.

Required investment has been estimated at US$1bn while construction is expected to take four years, MOP said.

***

UPCOMING BNAMERICAS EVENTS

5TH Mexico Infrastructure Summit

Click here to see the agenda and speakers

4TH Mexico Oil & Gas Summit

Click here to see the agenda and speakers