Bridge of the Americas

The Bridge of the Americas (Spanish: Puente de las Américas; originally known as the Thatcher Ferry Bridge) is a road bridge in Panama which spans the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. Designed by Sverdrup & Parcel, it was completed in 1962 at a cost of US$20 million, connecting the north and south American land masses (hence its name), connecting the American Continent. Two other bridges cross the canal: the Atlantic Bridge at the Gatun locks and the Centennial Bridge.

Bridge of the Americas
Coordinates8°56′35″N 79°33′54″W
CarriesFour lanes of Carretera Panama-Arraijan, pedestrians and bicycles
CrossesPacific entrance of the Panama Canal
LocaleBalboa, Panama
Characteristics
DesignSteel through arch bridge
John F. Beasly & Company
Total length1,654 m (5,425 ft)
Width10.4 m (34 ft)
Longest span344 m (1,128 ft)
Clearance below61.3 m (201 ft) at high tide
History
OpenedOctober 12, 1962
Statistics
Daily traffic35,000 (2004)
Location
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