Centennial Bridge
A modern cable-stayed marvel spanning the Panama Canal, easing traffic and showcasing impressive engineering.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Less traffic, clearer views
Centennial Bridge
Best Time
Less traffic, clearer views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern cable-stayed marvel spanning the Panama Canal, easing traffic and showcasing impressive engineering.
"Passing under this bridge during a Panama Canal transit is a truly unforgettable experience!"
📸 Capture the Scale
Get photos from a distance to truly appreciate its immense size and modern design. Best views from the canal transit.
🚗 Traffic Awareness
Be prepared for potential traffic, as it's a major route. The bridge was built to ease congestion, but it's still a busy crossing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Modern Cable-Stayed Design
Admire the sleek, contemporary architecture of this impressive feat of engineering spanning the Panama Canal.
Panama Canal Transit Views
Experience the awe of passing beneath this massive structure during a Panama Canal transit. A true bucket-list moment.
Traffic Congestion Relief
Witness the bridge's crucial role in alleviating traffic on the older Bridge of the Americas, a testament to its modern design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Canal Crossings
Understanding Its Purpose
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Están conforme con la reparación de la vía al puente centenario?
📸 Capture the Scale
Get photos from a distance to truly appreciate its immense size and modern design. Best views from the canal transit.
🚗 Traffic Awareness
Be prepared for potential traffic, as it's a major route. The bridge was built to ease congestion, but it's still a busy crossing.
El MOP licitará la ampliación de la carretera Centenario a 6 paños y Autopista Arraiján - Chorrera a 8 paños
🚢 Canal Transit Essential
The most spectacular views are from a ship passing underneath during a Panama Canal transit.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Scale
Get photos from a distance to truly appreciate its immense size and modern design. Best views from the canal transit.
🚗 Traffic Awareness
Be prepared for potential traffic, as it's a major route. The bridge was built to ease congestion, but it's still a busy crossing.
🚢 Canal Transit Essential
The most spectacular views are from a ship passing underneath during a Panama Canal transit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Centennial Bridge for its modern, impressive design and its crucial role in easing traffic over the Panama Canal. The most memorable experiences often involve passing directly beneath it during a canal transit, highlighting its sheer scale and engineering prowess. While it's a functional piece of infrastructure, its visual impact is undeniable.
"The second bridge over the canal that we passed under on transit and one of only 2 of the 3 that can carry any real traffic. This was intended to ease the traffic over the bridge of the Americas. Looks very modern like. Pictures taken from ship passing under the bridge (twice in different years)"
Graham Tranter
"The Centennial Bridge ! Great experience passing under this bridge during our panama canal transit !
The Centennial Bridge is the second major road crossing of the Panama Canal, the first being the Bridge of the Americas. (Small service bridges are built in the lock structures at Miraflores and Gatún Locks, but these bridges are only usable when the lock gates are closed and have limited capacity.)
The Centennial Bridge is located 15 km (9.3 mi) north of the Bridge of the Americas and crosses the Culebra Cut (Gaillard Cut) close to the Pedro Miguel locks. New freeway sections, connecting Arraijan in the west to Cerro Patacon in the east via the bridge, significantly alleviate congestion on the Bridge of the Americas."
jason pereira
"The Centennial Bridge is a major cable-stayed bridge crossing the Panama Canal. Over 3,451 feet, in length, it carries six lanes of the Pan-American Highway.
The longest span is 1,380 feet and it has a clearance of 260 feet below the decking for tall ships to pass under it. It was built to supplement the overcrowded Bridge of the Americas and to replace it as the carrier of the Pan-American Highway. When it opened in August 2004, it became the second permanent crossing of the canal. Construction stated in 2002, with the total construction cost being $120 million USD. The bridge was named for Panama's centennial, which occurred on November 3, 2003."
Celeste Ruppelt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Centennial Bridge is accessible via the Pan-American Highway. If you're driving, follow signs for the bridge. For the best views, consider booking a Panama Canal transit tour, which passes directly under the bridge.
Public transport options directly to the bridge itself are limited. Most visitors experience it via a Panama Canal transit or by driving.
The most iconic way to see the Centennial Bridge is by experiencing a Panama Canal transit, where ships sail directly beneath it. Driving across it offers a different perspective of its scale.
The Centennial Bridge is designed for vehicular traffic and does not have pedestrian or bicycle lanes. It's part of the Pan-American Highway.
Excellent views are available from ships transiting the Panama Canal. If driving, pull over at designated safe points or find elevated viewpoints along the highway approaching the bridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no ticket required to see or drive across the Centennial Bridge itself, as it's a public highway. However, if you wish to experience it via a Panama Canal transit, you will need to book a tour.
The Centennial Bridge is open 24/7 as it is a public road. Traffic flow can vary significantly throughout the day.
No, there is no entrance fee to drive across the Centennial Bridge. It is part of the Pan-American Highway.
The Centennial Bridge officially opened in August 2004, named to commemorate Panama's centennial in November 2003.
The total construction cost for the Centennial Bridge was approximately $120 million USD.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late evening often provide softer light and fewer traffic distractions for photography. Sunset can also offer dramatic skies.
The most breathtaking photos are taken from ships transiting the Panama Canal. If on land, look for elevated viewpoints along the highway or from nearby areas offering a panoramic view.
Drone usage near critical infrastructure like the Panama Canal and its bridges is typically restricted. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
For capturing the bridge's scale, a wide-angle lens is recommended. Consider using a tripod for sharper images, especially in lower light conditions.
Angles that showcase the cable-stayed design and its span over the canal are most impactful. Views from below during a transit or from a distance highlighting its integration with the landscape are popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While driving across the bridge is functional, it might not hold the same wonder for younger children. If traveling by car, point out the bridge's significance as a major crossing and how it helps traffic flow. Safe, designated viewpoints are scarce, so prioritize the canal transit for the most memorable family experience.
🚢 Cruise Passengers & Day-Trippers
For day-trippers from Panama City, consider booking a half-day or full-day Panama Canal tour that includes transit or visits to the canal's observation points. While you can drive over the bridge, the most impactful views are from the water. Research tour operators in advance to secure a spot on a transit that showcases the Centennial Bridge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engineering Marvel of the Centennial Bridge
Construction began in 2002 and was completed in August 2004, just in time to be named for Panama's centennial celebration in November of that year. The project cost approximately $120 million USD and was crucial in alleviating the severe traffic congestion that had plagued the Bridge of the Americas. This new crossing significantly improved connectivity between Arraijan in the west and Cerro Patacon in the east, integrating seamlessly with the Pan-American Highway.
Travelers often remark on its modernist design and its vital role in the region's infrastructure. While driving across offers a sense of its scale, the most profound experience is often described as passing beneath it during a Panama Canal transit, a truly unforgettable sight that highlights the bridge's immense proportions against the backdrop of the canal's operations.
Experiencing the Panama Canal Transit
While the Centennial Bridge is a modern marvel, some travelers also opt for ferry rides through the older locks to experience different aspects of the canal's history and operation. The transit under the Centennial Bridge is a key moment, showcasing how contemporary infrastructure supports the vital shipping route. It's a powerful reminder of the canal's global importance and Panama's role in facilitating international trade.
When planning a transit, be aware that different tour operators may offer varying routes and durations. The experience of passing under the Centennial Bridge is consistently highlighted as a memorable part of any canal tour, providing a unique perspective on this iconic landmark.
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