Third option for Cinta Costera expansion

A third option for the extension of Panama’s Cinta Costera has been raised by President Ricardo Martinelli.

There has been strong opposition from local citizen’s groups and UNESCO  who are opposed to the two existing suggestions, a ring road abutting the seas around Casco Viejo, or a tunnel under the old city.

UNESCO has  said that the area could face the risk of losing it’s designation as a world heritage center if either of the propositions is carried out.

Martinelli, said  Friday, May 20, at the official opening of the second stage of the coastal strip,  that the government will meet with UNESCO officials in the near future to discuss the plans for the third phase. 
The  third option, says the president  an elevated highway, similar to the one utilized by the Corredor Sur, that would extend from Avenida Balboa to the Avenida de Los Poetas.

Martinelli is expected to present the details to UNESCO officials at the upcoming meeting, but regardless of the outcome Martinelli remains committed to  having his way extending the Cinta Costera.

He said that he would rather be criticized for something he did rather than something he failed to do.