BRIEFS. public works

Comptroller endorses bridge contract

LA PRENSA

makeover:The Bridge of the Americas is in line for a $12 million renovation. That is more than half of what it cost to build.996409

The contract for the rehabilitation of the Puente de las Américas has been endorsed by State controller Carlos Vallarino.

The work will be accomplished with an investment of $12,579,000 over 14 months, beginning with the delivery of the order to proceed, Vallarino said in a press release.

The company contracted for the work is the Asociación Accidental Puente de Las Américas, a consortium made up of the Panamanian Constructora Urbana S.A., Freyssinet México CV and Freyssinet EspañaThe work of rehabilitating the structure includes replacing cables, repairing beams, sealing cracks, fixing cavities in concrete, restoring handrails on the catwalks, the installation of a drainage system, cleaning, painting, and more.

The Puente de las Americas was constructed by the United States in 1959 and 1962 at a cost of $20 million. Until the opening of the Puente Centenario in 2004, it was the only permanent structure linking North and South America.