Borinquen Dam

For all of the sidewalk superintendants out there, this graphic will give you an idea as how the Canal will look on the Pacific side. The Pacific Access Channel will connect Gaillard Cut to the new set of locks that will be located just west of the present Miraflores Locks. The locks that are in the upper left picture is Pedro Miguel, looking north into Gaillard Cut with the Centennial Bridge in the background. The reason for the Borinquen Dam is the Pacific Access Channel will be at Gatun Lake level, 85 feet above sea level, while the present Miraflores Lake, (which connects Miraflores Locks and Pedro Miguel Locks) is only 54 feet above sea level. This will enable the ships to be lifted and lowered the 85 feet to Gatun Lake at one locks as opposed to using two separate locks, (Miraflores and Pedro Miguel) with present system.

I hope this explanation did make the waters any muddier than they already are;):D!

We live in Panama. This is the best representation that we have seen as to how the new set of locks will work. They will also recycle water . . . a GREAT plus since most of Panama City's electricity comes from hydroelectric power. The canal has first priority. :o

Your response sent me looking for a graphic of the new set of locks on the Pacific side with the water saving basins depicted. The Locks that you can see over the hill is Miraflores. This is looking in the same direction as the other graphic, North towards Pedro Miguel Locks and Gaillard Cut.

Thank you for the information. It is GREAT! :)