PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Panama Metro has reported significant progress on its ambitious Line 3 project, with the critical tunnel crossing beneath the Panama Canal now over halfway complete. According to engineer Carlos Cedeño from the Metro authority, the tunnel has reached a 53% completion rate, marking a pivotal milestone for the infrastructure megaproject designed to connect Panama West with the city center.
The overall project is advancing on schedule, with Phase 1, stretching from Panama Pacífico to Ciudad del Futuro, now 81% complete, while Phase 2 stands at 42% completion. The substantial acceptance of the entire system between Albrook and Ciudad del Futuro is targeted for October 2028.
Tunnel Progress and Upcoming Maintenance
The 4.5-kilometer tunnel segment represents the project’s most complex engineering challenge. It comprises 3 kilometers directly beneath the Panama Canal and an additional 1.5 kilometers extending to Albrook, where a unified station will connect the new Line 3 with the existing Line 1. Engineer Cedeño confirmed that work will pause briefly in the coming weeks for scheduled maintenance on the specialized tunneling equipment, though the project continues to advance at a steady pace.
“We have overcome several of the most complex aspects that the project had. The passage of the tunnel under the Panama Canal was a critical component that we have successfully overcome,” expressed Cedeño. [Translated from Spanish]
This temporary halt for machinery upkeep is a planned part of the construction process and is not expected to impact the overall project timeline. The Panama Metro maintains that development continues according to the established schedule.
Critical Path and Next Steps for Line 3
The tunnel currently constitutes the critical path for the project’s completion. Once the boring and structural work is finished, crews will begin installing the internal components essential for operation. This includes the evacuation gallery, running beams, and various electromechanical systems, followed by the final testing phase before the line becomes operational.
The new Metro Line 3 will feature 11 stations and is projected to benefit more than 500,000 residents of Panama West. The commute between this province and the Albrook transportation hub will be reduced to less than 40 minutes, representing a substantial improvement in daily mobility for hundreds of thousands of commuters. For more details on the project’s scope, visit the official Panama Metro website.
“The critical route for the project’s completion is currently concentrated on the tunnel. Once this part is completed, the installation of the internal components will begin,” the engineer added. [Translated from Spanish]
The sustained progress on the Metro Line 3 project underscores Panama’s continued investment in major public transportation infrastructure. This development is part of a broader strategy to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity across the metropolitan region.