Panama Canal Locks Tow Track Rehabilitation and Maintenance
The Panama Canal locomotives run on tow track which is placed along the locks walls. The track allows the locomotives to parallel transiting vessel movement as they help maintain vessels in position within the locks chambers. The Canal tow track system consists of three types of tracks: towing tracks, return tracks and spur tracks. The return tracks, which allow locomotives to circumvallate the chambers, are currently in use only at the Gatun Locks. Spur track, on the other hand, is used to mobilize cranes during maintenance operations and connects the return track to repair workshops.
The ACP Locks Division recently completed the Tow Track Rehabilitation Project via their Construccion and Maintenance Section. The project is yet another key element in the Canal modernization and improvement program and consisted in the removal of 16,184.3 meters of existing tow track, which was replaced with a new prototype built to withstand current and future Canal traffic demands.
In light of future traffic demands, one of the Section's main priorities was minimizing tow track replacement time. Originally, the Section required ten days to replace 457 meters of track: two days each for removal, installation and preparation and casting, and four days for curing. The new program shortened curing periods by using special concrete mix designs, Pre- cast concrete sections, thus reducing overall tow track replacement time, lowering costs and improving service.
The project procedures incorporates state-of-the-art technology, that incorporates the use of diamond wire technology in demolition works, as well as hydraulic drilling equipment and cold riveting systems for prefabricated structures. Additional innovations include introducing the concept of property on the production table, which encourages workers to take pride in and endeavor to improve their work. All products undergo a strict quality control check to ensure that final results are befitting of Panama Canal standards of excellence.
The project commenced at Miraflores in fiscal year 1997 and the entire track towing system was rehabilitated in September 2007, while minor components as switches and exit lanes are been completed during 2008 at Gatun Locks to close the Modernization Project. So as not to affect Canal traffic, tow track repair and maintenance work was always programmed during lane outages, when miter gates, culverts and valves also received maintenance and repair.
Updated: 31-Mar-2008
