Cinta Costera viaduct underway before Unesco vets study

The extension of the third stage of the Cinta Costera with a highway on stilts  began Friday, September 7.  For many, government intransigence  had signaled a "done deal" long before.

INAC (Panama's Institute of Culture) representatives set of to Paris  late last week to present to UNESCO (The United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) a locally produced report  indicating that the new structure would not affect the heritage status of Casco Viejo.

The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) announced on Friday,  via a press release: “The construction of the interconnection between Avenida Balboa and Avenida de Los Poetas, phase 3 of the Cinta Costera,(CC3),starts today. The project is part of the Road Reorganization Master Plan in Panama City, The Coastal Strip is a fundamental part of the road realignment plan as a complete connection between the Bridge of the Americas and the South corridor.”
 The. marine bridge is about 3 km long according to the Government and would "mostly be located 400 meters from the Old Town."
The project had apparently been on hold due to warnings of Unesco that its construction could lead to Casco losing it’s designation as a World Heritage site.
On Thursday, the Government submitted to Unesco a study of the impact of CC3. Previously, the National Institute of Culture (INAC) had said in a press release, that the construction would have no environmental impact but despite the study Unesco had to give its approval. said Hildegard Vásquez director of the Calicanto.Foundation.
The project also includes landfill construction, landscaping of the new route, the burial of electric transmission lines and drainage improvement Avenida Balboa, the drainage improvement works of Balboa Avenue, a breakwater for tourist use. and the construction of two new pedestrian bridges traffic lights and signage on Balboa Avenue, and maintenance, parks and green areas of the coastal strip.
According to the MOP, "The marine interconnection is designed as a light structure above the sea. with three vehicle lanes in each direction and “special architecture and a harmonious landscape while pedestrians and cyclists will enjoy exclusive tracks giving continuity to the coastal strip connecting to the new Avenida de los Poetas”
What will happen to the World Heritage designation is up in the air, but soon landfill for the new highway will be arriving night and day.