A CANAL TRANSIT

PANAMA CANAL OVERVIEW LOCK CONTROL TOWERS MIRAFLORES LOCKS

PANAMA CANAL OVERVIEW LOCK CONTROL TOWERS PEDRO MIGUEL LOCKS

PANAMA CANAL OVERVIEW LOCK CONTROL TOWERS GATUN LOCKS All three are identical on the outside and similar within. This was on purpose. They are designed and located to provide maximum visibility of the locks under their control.

PANAMA CANAL OVERVIEW

A CANAL TRANSIT Entering Gatun Locks from the lake.

A CANAL TRANSIT

The Gatun Visitor’s Center has not changed since I was there. Then again, it does not get the crowds. It has a nice museum and simple restaurant. I preferred this one as the viewing platform was almost on top of the lock chambers.

A CANAL TRANSIT

THE ATLANTIC ENTRANCE LIMON BAY COLON

A CANAL TRANSIT

THE NEW ATLANTIC LOCKS

A CANAL TRANSIT

THE NEW ATLANTIC BRIDGE ABOVE: The construction site on the west bank – left side. RIGHT: An image of the planned bridge looking north. This bridge will allow development of the coast to the west.

A CANAL TRANSIT

Comparison With “Competition” SUEZ CANAL:Mediterranean and Red Sea First completed:1869 Current version completed:N/A Canal Length:100.8 Miles Vertical Change:0 Locks0 Length:N/A Width:673 ft. Depth:79 ft. Suez Canal Authority – Toll 17,225 Transits (2012)

Panama Canal Overview Comparison With “Competition” SOO CANAL:St. Mary’s River between Lake Superior and Lake Huron First completed:1855 Current version completed:1968 Canal Length:1.6 Miles Vertical Change:27 ft. Locks1 Length:1200 ft Width:110 ft Depth:32 ft Army Corps of Engineers – no fee ~ 10,000 Transits / Yr.

Comparison With “Competition” WELLAND CANAL:Lake Erie to Lake Ontario First completed:1830 Current version completed:1932 Canal Length:27 Miles Vertical Change:326.5 ft. Locks8 Length:766 ft Width:80 ft Depth:30 ft St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp. – Toll ~ 3,000 Transits / Year

Panama Canal Overview Comparison With “Competition” ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY:Lake Ontario and Montreal First completed:1871 Current version completed:1959 Canal Length:57.1 Miles (5 separate canals) Vertical Change:223 ft. Locks7 Length:766 ft Width:80 ft Depth:30 ft St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp. - Toll