Panama’s Ministry of Public Works will launch a tender for a major highway expansion project in the coming days. The project carries an estimated cost exceeding 300 million dollars. Officials confirmed the plan on May 30, 2026, targeting severe traffic congestion in the western region.
The Ministry of Public Works Panama will use a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the project. This approach brings private investment and long-term maintenance commitments into public infrastructure.
Edwin Lewis, Director of Studies and Designs at the Ministry of Public Works, provided the details. He stated the project covers two critical roadways serving the Panama Oeste province.
Road Expansion Details and Design Features
The Centenario highway will expand from four to six lanes. This section runs from the Rod Carew Stadium area to Burunga. The Arraiján-La Chorrera highway will widen from six to eight lanes, stretching to La Espiga.
Lewis explained that the new lanes will be express lanes. They will have no intermediate access points for entry or exit. This design aims to speed up travel for drivers crossing the entire route.
Current traffic data shows the urgency. Approximately 26,000 vehicles use the Centenario highway daily. The Arraiján-La Chorrera highway carries about 20,000 cars each day.
Official Statements on Project Timeline
“We estimate the public tender will be published in June of this year. The award could happen by the end of 2026. This timeline would allow construction to begin between late 2026 and early 2027.” [Translated from Spanish]
Lewis confirmed these dates during a press briefing. The project follows a phased approach under the PPP contract.
Toll System and Infrastructure Improvements
A toll system is being considered for the new express lanes. This would fund future maintenance of the roadways. The Centenario highway would become the third major toll road serving Panama Oeste province. The Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal and the Campana viaduct already use toll systems.
The project includes correcting dangerous curves on the Centenario highway near Rod Carew Stadium. Strategic interchanges will be modified, demolished, or built at key locations. These include Bique, the La Mitra road, and the area near the Nicolás Solano Hospital.
Complete pavement rehabilitation is another critical component. Current conditions show fractured slabs, potholes, and other signs of deterioration across many sections of the Centenario highway.
Immediate Maintenance and Contract Structure
The Ministry announced routine maintenance work from June 1 to June 4. Lewis clarified this is separate from the major expansion. The work involves repairing expansion joints on the east side access. This will affect traffic flow heading from Panama City toward La Chorrera.
The PPP contract includes a one-year pre-construction and preliminary maintenance phase. Construction will take approximately three years. The concessionaire will then provide 15 years of maintenance service.
This project represents the largest single road investment for Panama Oeste province in recent years. The Public Works ministry expects the tender to attract major international and local construction firms.