Centennial Bridge, Panama

The Centennial Bridge is a cable-stayed road bridge stretching 1,052 meters across the Panama Canal, supported by two concrete towers that rise 184 meters. Six traffic lanes run between the towers, held in place by a single plane of cables anchored along the center median.

The crossing opened on August 15, 2004, becoming the second fixed span over the Panama Canal. Its completion eased pressure on the Bridge of the Americas, which had been the only road link across the waterway.

The structure takes its name from Panama's independence centennial, celebrated in November 2003. Today it carries daily traffic between the northern and southern regions, linking communities on both sides of the canal.

The crossing lies about 15 kilometers north of the Bridge of the Americas and offers a direct route between provinces. Traffic flows in both directions across all six lanes, and the roadway is wide enough for trucks and buses.

The deck stands high enough to allow ships with a clearance of 80 meters to pass below, including large ocean freighters. The single plane of cables along the center gives clear sightlines from both sides of the roadway.

Location: Panama

Inception: August 15, 2004

Official opening: August 15, 2004

Height: 184 m

Length: 1,052 m

Longest Span: 420 m

Made from material: concrete

GPS coordinates: 9.03005,-79.63569

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29