Government using the internet to battle traffic gridlock
As Panama moves closer to total traffic gridlock, the Ministry of Public Works, MOP has created an online website,identifying blackspots to be avoided.
And there are a lot of them, with more to come next year as the government tries to complete multiple infrastructure projects before it’s mandate expires. Figures show that at least 23 major works could be underway at the same time.
Work is progressing on roads, the water system, the extension of the Cinta Costera, the metro subway system, and soon the long delayed burying of overhead cables on some major thoroughfares and the construction of flyovers in different parts of the city.
There are some 650,000 drivers in the capital, and with 3,000-4000 new cars being sold every month, that figure will continue to increase before the infrastructure projects are completed, even when allowance is made for multiple accident write offs.
The web sites are: www.nuevaredvial.com and www.mop.gob.pa where users can learn about MOP projects, the stage they are at and the current traffic situation
The Ministry will also be using social networks like Facebook and Twitter to keep people informed of the impact of the work, especially the master plan for road realignment, said Public Works Minister, Federico Suarez on Monday, October 3.