Panama’s Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT) has announced a permanent lane reversal scheme on a key capital artery to combat severe evening congestion. The change, affecting Martyrs Avenue during peak hours, is a direct response to traffic counts showing over 37,000 vehicles moving west in a single morning. Officials confirmed the measure will remain in effect indefinitely on school days.
The reversal will run daily from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., stretching from the National Assembly building to the entrance of the Panama Pacifico Special Economic Area. A second phase activates at 3:00 p.m. from Burunga, entering the Arraiján-La Chorrera highway, to the TCT sector in Vista Alegre. These adjustments target the massive daily vehicular flow between Panama City’s eastern and western regions.
“We recommend all motorists use this space to travel. The important thing is to do so in an orderly manner and avoid distractions at the wheel to prevent traffic accidents that bring mobility delays,” said ATTT Director Simón Henríquez. [Translated from Spanish]
Henríquez emphasized the lane reversal is not a highway but a tool to facilitate movement. He urged driver cooperation for the system to function safely. The decision formalizes a temporary pilot program after data proved its effectiveness in reducing gridlock during the busiest travel windows.
Traffic Data Justifies Permanent Change
Hard numbers supported the policy shift. Authority counts recorded 37,125 vehicles entering the west area between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. alone. That volume cripples standard road layouts in the evening return period. The permanent reversal aims to provide predictable, structured relief for commuters heading to western provinces like West Panama and Arraiján.
Five key lane reversal points now operate across the country. They include Santa Elena, Israel Road from Atlapa to Multiplaza, Burunga, Panama Pacifico, and Martyrs Avenue. The Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT) confirmed these measures will stay active throughout the school year. An exception is Israel Road, which suspends operations during vacation periods. The reversals do not apply on holidays or weekends.
“The lane reversal is not a highway. It is a means to facilitate mobility, which is why we call on all drivers,” Henríquez stated, clarifying the initiative’s purpose. [Translated from Spanish]
Authorities also reported positive results from establishing U-turn points in the northern area. These have improved traffic flow during both morning and afternoon peak times. The integrated approach manages choke points from multiple angles.
Graduation Parades and Ongoing Coordination
The announcement addressed another seasonal traffic factor, graduation parades. Over thirty senior class caravans requested permits for celebrations this week. Henríquez explained that these groups coordinate routes in advance with the ATTT to minimize circulation impact. The peak for these events was expected to subside quickly after a single high-volume day.
All traffic measures require public adherence to work. Officials reiterated calls for prudence and strict respect for road signage. The goal remains improving mobility without compromising road safety. The permanent status of the Martyrs Avenue reversal signals a long-term strategy. It moves beyond temporary experiments to embedded infrastructure management.
The National Assembly of Panama sits at the starting point of this critical reversal zone. Its location underscores the measure’s importance for connecting government and commercial centers with populous western residential areas. For now, the focus is on clear communication and driver adaptation to this new permanent feature of the evening commute.