Panama Canal completes new towing locomotive tracks

Panama Canal completes new towing locomotive tracks The Panama Canal Authority said Monday it has completed a project to replace the tracks for the towing locomotives that pull vessels through its locks.
   “Well-run locks are critical to providing our customers with safe, reliable and efficient service,' said Manuel Benitez, ACP vice president of operations, in a statement. 'Ultimately, our goal in rehabilitating these tracks is to decrease the time a vessel spends in each lockage, increase efficiency and augment capacity.'
   The authority has replaced 50,000 feet of tow track at the canal's Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and Gatun locks, which previously needed continual maintenance, Benitez said.
   'This is the first time we have overhauled the entire rail system,' he said. 'This upgrade — carried out without any significant service interruptions — helps us continue to offer safe, reliable and efficient service upon which our customers rely. In addition, this new track will increase efficiency because our new locomotives are built and designed to travel on it.'