Panama bridge project report released

A report has been released regarding the project to build the fourth bridge spanning the Panama Canal. The report concerns the awarding of the design and construction contract and reveals that there may be an increase in building costs over original estimates due to geotechnical requirements. The report also says that such large capital projects should be split into two, one covering feasibility studies and design work and the second for construction and maintenance. The bridge project is being handled by the Panama Cuarto Puente consortium, comprising China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). The original estimates predicted the construction cost at some US$1.5 billion.