Closing of Centennial Bridge another headache for commuters

With the Christmas traffic rush moving to a peak,t he clock has moved back for motorists traveling to and from the Interior west of Panama city.

The Centennial Bridge has been closed to all traffic to allow repairs to the access road that collapsed on Dec. 7 during the recent heavy rains. The stability of the access roads has been a problem since they were completed.

The bridge had been open on a limited basis, but the the Ministry of Public Works (MOP)decided on a complete shut down so heavy equipment needed for repairs can be moved to the site.
 All traffic crossing the Panama Canal to and from Panama City, will have to use the Bridge of the Americas.

To help ease traffic flow the MOP has said overweight vehicles will not be allowed on the Bridge of the Americas inbound from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and leaving the city from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

But commuters are  still advised to allow lots more time before heading in or out.