Constructora Meco will deliver the “Expansion of the Beach Corridor – Pan-American Highway El Espino–Sajalices Section and Campana Bypass,” a strategic intervention along the main highway connecting Panama City with the country’s rapidly growing Pacific coastal region. The project includes nearly 20 km of widening and rehabilitation works along the main corridor—from the vicinity of the entrance to Hacienda Los Calderones to the bridge over the Sajalices River—transforming the roadway from four to six lanes and significantly increasing capacity, safety and level of service along one of the country’s fastest-growing transport corridors. 

A flagship component of the project is the Campana Bypass, which includes the construction of an 800-meter viaduct rising up to 30 meters above ground level. The structure is designed to accommodate three lanes in each direction separated by a central barrier, positioning the project among the most significant structural developments along Panama’s Pacific corridor. 

According to Fabio Barona, General Manager of Meco Panama, the mountainous terrain where the Campana Bypass will be built presents major operational challenges. Access logistics, material supply, installation of structural components at height and construction activities along steep slopes require meticulous planning, efficient scheduling of work fronts and enhanced technical oversight to ensure slope stability, drainage management and the overall quality of the infrastructure. From this key section, the intervention extends across the broader corridor with comprehensive upgrades designed to improve the road’s operational performance. 

The project also includes the construction of grade-separated interchanges and U-turn facilities aimed at eliminating left-turn conflicts, along with the modernization of existing structures along the route. Planned works include two horseshoe-type grade-separated U-turn structures, two interchange structures and two new pedestrian bridges, as well as the structural assessment and rehabilitation of existing bridges and pedestrian crossings. 

Declared a public-interest project by the Government of Panama, the contract was awarded for B/.228.4 million. The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has highlighted the project as a major investment aimed at modernizing connectivity toward the country’s western region and strengthening the tourism and residential growth of areas such as La Chorrera, Chame, San Carlos, Río Hato and Coronado, widely known as Panama’s Pacific beach corridor. 

Construction is expected to generate approximately 600 direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect jobs, supporting local businesses, services and supply chains throughout the construction phase. 

Founded in 1977 by Ángel Américo Cerdas and his son Carlos Cerdas Araya, Constructora Meco has grown into one of the most prominent Costa Rican construction companies operating across Latin America. Today, the company delivers projects in Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Colombia, employing more than 6,500 people across the region.