A host of JCB machines are playing a key role in the construction of a new highway to link the Atlantic and Pacific coasts in the Central American country of Panama.

The 48-mile stretch of road between Panama City and Colon is being transformed from an A-Class road, with single lanes in each direction, to a dual carriageway. Panama City is the largest commercial banking centre in Central America while the port of Colon is the largest on the Atlantic coast.

It is hoped that the highway, being created by Brazilian civil engineering firm Odebrecht under contract from the Panama Government, will cut journey times for commuters, bus services and road freight connections between the two cities from two hours to an hour. The initial 18 miles from Panama City was completed two years ago but work is now underway on the remaining 30 miles. The road, which runs parallel to the Panama Canal, is due to be completed by the end of 2009.

Nine JS330 tracked professional excavators and one JS460, manufactured by JCB Heavy Products, in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, three 436 wheeled loading shovels, built by JCB Earthmovers, in Cheadle, Staffordshire, and two USA-built JCB 3C backhoe loaders, are working on the project. The excavators have been involved in digging out rock at strategically located quarries close to the route of the new road. The rock is then being broken down and used to build the road. The machines have been supplied through rental company Ameco and the JCB dealer in Panama, Alquilleres Coamco.