Observation Center for the Canal expansion opened in Colón

PRENSA.COM/Elizabeth Garrido A.

El mirador del Atlántico tiene capacidad para alojar más de mil personas.

15/08/2012 - The Observation Center for the Expansion of the Panama Canal was opened this Aug. 15, 2012 in Colón province within the 98th anniversary of the operations of the Panamanian water way.

According to the Manager of the Visitor’s Center Unit from Panama Canal Authority, Sixta Díaz, this is a work so the visitor can witness the construction of the third set of locks.

Unlike the viewpoints in Gatún and Miraflores, the Atlantic Observation Center (COA) has a more ecological design, being built in the middle of the jungle area next to what will be the lock of the Canal in Colón.  

The viewpoint is located in a high place away from the construction site of the locks; however, the construction of this massive project of infrastructure can be observed.

The COA has a capacity of 1,272 people. The ACP has made rapprochements with cruise lines which have showed their interest in visiting the places with tourist arriving Colón. It has also contacted tour operators in order to organize group tours.

On the other hand, a similar project is planned for the Pacific entrance of the Canal, but on the western shore of the water way.

According to the project, this viewpoint will have administrative and visitor’s buildings, public plazas, parking lots area, restaurants, cafeterias, souvenir shops and projection rooms.

The construction of the third set of locks expanding the water way serving the maritime transit since 1914 can be observed from the COA as the one to be built in the Pacific.