What Happened
Panama’s National Traffic Operations Directorate has announced lane reversal operations starting Thursday, April 2, to manage the heavy movement of travelers heading to the interior of the country for the Semana Santa holiday period.
The measure is designed to ease congestion on major routes out of the capital and into Panama Oeste, where weekend and holiday traffic typically increases sharply as families travel for the break.
Routes and Schedules
On Thursday, lane reversals will run from Avenida de los Mártires in Panama City to Howard in Panama Oeste from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. In Panama Oeste, the measure will also be applied from Arraiján through Burunga to Vista Alegre from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Additional stretches will operate from El Nazareno in La Chorrera to Campana, and from Sajalices in Capira to San José de San Carlos, between 12:00 noon and 6:00 p.m. For Friday, April 3, officials plan to keep the measure in place on two key corridors: El Nazareno to Campana and Sajalices to San José, both from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Return Toward the Capital
The return flow to Panama City is expected to be managed on Sunday with lane reversals from Las Uvas de San Carlos to Sajalices de Capira and from Campana to El Nazareno de La Chorrera, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Authorities said that timetable could move to Saturday if traffic rises sooner than expected.
Traffic officials are monitoring road conditions closely as the holiday movement builds. They said traffic has remained within normal levels so far, but the number of vehicles traveling to the interior is expected to rise in the coming hours.
Holiday Travel Outlook
Authorities project more vehicles than last year. Around 89,000 vehicles traveled to the interior during the Semana Santa period last year, while this year the estimate is expected to exceed 100,000.
To support the operation, about 150 traffic units will be deployed in strategic points to help keep vehicles moving. Nationwide, roughly 790 officers will be assigned to traffic control, accident response, and road safety duties.
Safety Message and Religious Events
Officials urged drivers to check vehicle conditions before traveling, wear seat belts, and avoid using mobile phones while driving. They also called on people who drink alcohol to designate a responsible driver and reminded pedestrians to use crosswalks and pedestrian bridges, especially in dark areas.
Alongside the traffic plan, police will provide support for religious processions across the country during Semana Santa, reinforcing security around one of Panama’s most important holiday periods.