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PANAMA CITY, PANAMA — The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) received six proposals from around the world for the design of the first-ever bridge on the Atlantic side of the waterway. Currently, the Bridge of the Americas and the Centennial Bridge, on the Pacific side, provide the only routes for vehicles to cross the canal. This new bridge will be the third across the canal and the first located near the Gatún Locks, spanning the west and east sides of the city of Colon.

The following proposals were presented (in $U.S.):

• TYPSA Principia — $4,995,150
• URS Holdings — $6,150,021
• Puente de Colón JV — $7,212,000
• ARUP — $8,542,017
• China Communications Construction Company / Louis Berger Group — $4,662,352
• Ty Lin International — $9,669,231

The contract consists of both the design of a bridge made of braced concrete and the design for access roads to the bridge.

The bids were solicited according to a 2006 law based on the referendum to move forward with the expansion of the Panama Canal, which requires an option for vehicular crossing over the Atlantic side of the canal.

The ACP is currently evaluating the lowest cost proposal, jointly submitted by the China Communications Construction Company and the Louis Berger Group. A contract will be awarded if it is determined that this proposal meets all project needs.