navigational channels

Navigational channels

According to the plan, a 3.2 km (2.0 mi)-long access channel will be excavated to connect the new Atlantic locks with the existing sea entrance of the canal. To connect the new Pacific-side locks with the existing channels, two new access channels will be built:

• The 6.2 km (3.9 mi) north access channel, which will connect the new Pacific-side lock with the Culebra Cut, circumventing Miraflores Lake. This channel will run along the new Borinquen Dam that separates it from Miraflores Lake (which has a water level that is 9 m lower, due to the dislocation of the Pedro Miguel locks).

• The 1.8 km (1.1 mi) south access channel, which will connect the new lock with the existing sea entrance on the Pacific Ocean.

The new channels on both the Atlantic and the Pacific sides will be at least 218 meters (715 feet) wide, permitting Post-Panamax vessels to navigate in a single direction.