News

Plans are moving forward on a new bridge which will make it easier to drive between Costa Rica and Panama.

Construction is expected to start in June on the $15 million bridge over the Sixaola river, according to a statement from the Economy and Finance Ministry. The 260-meter long, 17-meter wide structure will replace the current bridge, which is more than 100 years old and used only by pedestrians. Cars use a temporary bridge built in 2012.

The new bridge will include four lanes for cars, as well as designated bike and pedestrian lanes.

Government officials said they expect to issue a call for construction bids in April. The bridge has been discussed for years. Last year officials announced plans to move forward, but there had been little new information since then. The new announcement suggests the project is finally ready to move beyond the planning stages.

With the project split between the two countries, there was a myriad of issues, including financing. The bridge will be funded with $10 million from the Yucatan Program (Mesoamerican Infrastructure Fund) and $5 million from Costa Rica, officials said.

While the bridge may not impact many Panama City residents, it will make it easier to navigate around the region. Adventurous expats often complain that it can be difficult to explore Central America, with flights expensive and roads in poor quality in many areas.

The new Costa Rica bridge is reportedly part of an overall effort, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), to upgrade border crossings between Costa Rica and Panama.