Panama Canal Authority receives report on third set of locks

The third set of locks for the Panama Canal's massive expansion project have passed all performance tests and are now "functionally completed" to begin operation, the Panama Canal Authority announced last week.

The authority recently obtained a report on the locks from the expansion project contractor Grupo Unidos por el Canal, S.A. (GUPC), authority officials said in a press release.

The authority will review the report and respond to the contractor, which symbolizes a milestone in the preparation for the anticipated June 26 inauguration of the canal's new lane.

"The contractor's progress opens the doors to a new stage where our workforce will continue familiarizing themselves with the work and operation of the new locks and complement their training with navigation tests before issuing acceptance of the works," said Panama Canal Administrator Jorge Luis Quijano.

To learn more about the Panama Canal expansion project, read this feature story in Progressive Railroading's April issue.