Global construction business Vinci has completed the record-breaking Atlantic Bridge in Panama which was handed over at an event featuring Panamanian President, Laurentino Cortizo, and Panama Canal Administrator, Jorge Quijano.
(Image via Vinci Construction).
The completion of the Atlantic Bridge creates a new link between the North American and South American continents which can be used whether the famous Panama Canal locks are in operation or not.
The structure, which spans 4.6km, is made entirely from reinforced concrete. This construction material was chosen due to the adversity of the Panamanian climate on the Atlantic side. The central span (the bridge section that spans the canal), consisting of 530 metres of concrete deck located 75 metres above sea level, constitutes a world record for a cable-stayed bridge, whilst its two towers dominate the waters of the Atlantic Ocean at over 210 metres high.
With the Panama Canal being a vitally important, and very busy route for water-borne freight it was essential that construction did not interrupt navigation of the canal. Vinci’s solution involved using four innovative form travellers, each weighing 240 tonnes, to build the central span.
In total, more than 1,200 people were involved throughout construction of the Atlantic Bridge.
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