How Is Panama’s Infrastructure Holding Up?

In any country, the infrastructure is what holds up civilization and allows people and goods to move between cities. The transportation infrastructure, roadway design, and structural design need to be constantly evaluated. Even in wealthy countries like the United States, over 25% of bridges need significant repairs or are handling too much traffic. A smaller country like Panama may have less to manage but still must conduct a regular “evaluacion de pavimentos” and lidar surveying. The infrastructure in Panama is one of the best systems in Latin America, yet is still sees constant work.

Roads And Highways

A vast network of roads and highways connects the towns and cities of Panama. The Central American country even boasts the world’s longest motorable road the Pan-American Highway. This noteworthy road is really a network of highways that stretches through the entire country. Outside of this major motorway, the roads around Panama City and other urban locations are in good condition. In more rural areas, the roads are in need of improvements. The Government Strategic Plan is set to be implemented through 2019 and aims to invest in improvements to Panama’s roads and other infrastructure through an “evaluacion de pavimentos” and other procedures.

Airports And Railways

In Panama there are over 100 airports, with five of them flying internationally. The country’s central location between North and South America has made it a major hub for connecting flights between the continents. The country’s largest airport is Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, which has flights to over 90 cities. On the ground, the New Panama Railroad transports passengers and freight between the Atlantic and Pacific ports in the country. The functioning of railways and airports is essential to the country’s success.

Panama Canal

Perhaps the most famous piece of water infrastructure in the world, the Panama Canal is still active and open every day of the year for 24 hours a day. The Canal currently employs 10,000 people. The United States started the construction of the Panama Canal in 1904 and it officially opened in 1914. The oversight and ownership of the Panama Canal were only transferred from the U.S. to Panama in 1999. Running 50 miles along one of the narrowest parts in the country, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Panama has an extremely important role in global trade and commerce. With the government investing $13.6 billion in 2013, the country is dedicated to the upkeep of its important infrastructure.