Coastal link: New road links Atlantic and Pacific coasts

JCB machines are playing a key role in the construction of a new highway to link the Atlantic and Pacific coasts in the Central American country of Panama.

A total of nine JCB JS330 tracked excavators, one JS460, three 436–wheeled loading shovels and two 3C backhoe loaders, are working on the project. The excavators have been involved in digging out rock at strategically located quarries close to the route of the new road. The 77 km stretch of road between Panama City and Colon is being transformed from an A–Class road, with single lanes in each direction, to a dual carriageway. The road, which runs parallel to the Panama Canal, is due to be completed by the end of 2009.