Bauer working on the construction of Metro Line 3 in Panama

Work has begun on Metro Line 3 in Panama (Photo: Bauer)

The new line is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion in the city after its commissioning in 2026. Moreover, the population will have access to fast, efficient and sustainable public transportation, offering considerably shorter travel times. 

The new 34km railway that connects the stations of Albrook and Ciudad del Futuro is predominantly designed as an above-ground monorail. However, a 6km underground section that crosses the Panama Canal is also part of the design.

To construct this section, a tunnel boring machine will be used but will require a starter shaft first. The HPH joint venture, comprising Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Posco, and Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd., has tasked BAUER Fundaciones Panama S.A., a subsidiary of BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH, with the diaphragm wall work.

Bauer began working on this section of the project in July 2023 and is expected to continue until October 2024. The first phase, which involved constructing 4,837m³ of diaphragm wall for the starter shaft, has already been completed.

In the second phase, which is currently underway, the elevated railway section will be connected with the underground section using the cut and cover method. An additional 12,000m³ of diaphragm wall still needs to be constructed for this phase.