The National Police of Panama has established a special traffic plan for next week. Officers will implement reversible lanes on two key highways to manage the expected surge of travelers returning to the capital after the 2026 Carnival holiday.
This operational plan is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, and Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The temporary lane reversals aim to increase road capacity on the Pan-American Highway, directing additional lanes toward Panama City as thousands of vehicles flow back from holiday destinations.
Detailed Schedule for Reversible Lanes
Authorities have released a precise timetable to guide motorists. The first phase on Tuesday begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Las Uvas de San Carlos point and will conclude at 6:00 p.m. at Sajalices in Chame. A second phase starts simultaneously at 10:00 a.m. at Campana in Capira, ending at 6:00 p.m. in the Burunga area of Arraiján.
For Wednesday, February 18, the reversible lane system will start earlier. Operations commence at 7:00 a.m. at Las Uvas de San Carlos and are set to finish at 6:00 p.m. in Burunga, Arraiján. Police officials urge drivers to exercise extreme caution, follow all posted signage, and obey officer instructions in these zones.
“The National Police announces the lane reversal period established for Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18, due to the return of travelers to the city for the celebration of the 2026 Carnivals,” the institution stated. [Translated from Spanish]
This proactive measure is a standard but critical response to post-holiday traffic. The annual Carnival exodus sees a significant portion of Panama City’s residents travel to interior provinces, creating predictable congestion upon their return. Implementing contraflow lanes is a proven strategy to mitigate gridlock and enhance safety on these high-volume days.
Drivers should anticipate major delays and plan for significantly longer travel times. Police recommend checking vehicle conditions before departing and maintaining patience. The successful execution of this traffic plan relies heavily on cooperation from the public. Officers will be deployed along the entire corridor to manage the flow.
Similar operations are often used for other major events causing mass movement, like the recent carlos culmina festival weekend. The National Police’s Traffic Directorate continuously monitors real-time conditions and may adjust the schedule if necessary for public safety. All travelers are advised to stay alert and prioritize safe driving practices during this busy return period.