The Presidents of Costa Rica and Panama, Luis Guillermo Solis and Juan Carlos Varela, met in Costa Rica with the purpose of strengthening their bilateral politics in aspects of security, migration, tourism, commerce and customs modernization.

One of the main topics between both countries was the construction of the new bridge over the Sixaola River in the Costa Rica-Panama frontier denominated “Sixaola Binational Bridge”.

This bridge will replace an old train structure that was destroyed in September of 2017. The new bridge will measure 260 meters in length and 17 meters wide, it is 62% in Costa Rica’s territory an 38% in Panama’s side, the cost of this infrastructure is estimated in US $15 million which are coming in part from the Mesoamerican Infrastructure Fund and $7.5 million were divided between both nations.

“In February of this year, the design of the bridge was approved, and in March we already approved the work that will have to be done in the binational zone”, commented Solis.

“The work, once finished will allow the movement of people and cars with easiness”, continued Solis.

The bridge is considered an important part of the tourism corridor which has developed from the South Caribbean of Costa Ria and the East Caribbean of Panama. It will benefit the population in the frontier and those who normally use this route, it will also contribute to a comprehensive transportation system, affordable, efficient and secure.
It is estimated that the bridge will be ready to open by May 2019.

The President of Panama also added that his country has already began the feasibility project for the design of a railway that would go from Panama City to the frontier with Costa Rica, according to Varela, his Government considers that the project could be extended to Costa Rica, which would allow to consolidate the countries as a multi-destination for tourism as well as the economic and social integration of the countries.