Culebra Cut, Artificial valley in Panama Canal, Panama
The Culebra Cut extends 7.8 miles through the Continental Divide, connecting Gatun Lake to the Gulf of Panama at 85 feet above sea level.
French engineers under Ferdinand de Lesseps initiated the excavation in 1881, removing 14 million cubic meters before the United States took control in 1904.
The name changed from Culebra to Gaillard Cut in 1915 to honor Major David du Bose Gaillard, returning to Culebra after Panama gained control in 2000.
The cut requires continuous maintenance to prevent landslides, which remain a constant concern since the first major incident at Cucaracha in 1907.
The excavation process consumed 400,000 pounds of dynamite monthly, with teams operating dozens of compressed air drills through extensive pipe networks.
Location: Panamá Province
Location: Panamá Oeste Province
Part of: Panama Canal
GPS coordinates: 9.07722,-79.67528
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:46
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