This article was posted on www.newsroompanam.com
Casco Viejo Road Closings
Work on what the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) calls The Heritage Preservation Project will start Monday January 30, overriding concerns of local businesses.
Work will progress street by street leading to street closures and traffic diversions.
The project will begin on Ave A1 West. to the Plaza de Francia where 100 meters of road will be closed.
On West 2nd Street which runs parallel, cars may pass, but there will be no parking.
"The work will have a pedestrian area, ensuring access to residences, businesses and public entities that exist in the area," says an official notice.
Staff working in public offices in Casco Viejo - incuding The Presidential Palace, The Foreign Ministry, and the Ministry of Justice - will have to leave their vehicles in Amador for the duration of the project, expected to take 16 months. They will be taken by bus to Plaza Herrera and will then walk to their offices.
Merchants in the area have expressed their concerns and fear loss of business.
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Editor's Note: Plans to hold the Gala Screenings of the International Film Festival of Panama www.iffpanama.com (April 26 - May 2) at The National Theatre in Casco Viejo may be affected.
