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Sill reinforcements complete in new Panama Canal locks

Sill reinforcements complete in new Panama Canal locks
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said today that sill reinforcements in the new locks have been completed this week, bringing the Panama Canal Expansion one step closer to inauguration.

The filling of the Pacific-facing Cocoli Locks has already begun, and the filling of the Atlantic-facing Agua Clara Locks began today.

After more than a year-long delay, a new set of larger locks for the Panama Canal will be complete by the end of June, Panama Canal Administrator Jorge Quijano told Reuters this Thursday, after builders repaired cracks that had formed in the concrete walls.

The Panama Canal is building the expanded Canal for the long haul, which is why quality and testing are critical. Once the locks are filled, the sills will undergo a rigorous testing process to ensure their integrity and proper function. 

“Every day, we move closer to completion,” said Panama Canal Administrator and ceo, Jorge L. Quijano. “But the key for us, as it has always been, is to do so in a way that maintains the highest standards are met, ensuring Canal operations for the next 101 years and more.”

Less than 4% remains to completed of the Panama Canal Expansion Programme, which is expected to be inaugurated in the second quarter of 2016. The ACP will continue to provide updates on the project as more progress and information are made available.