Linking the Americas: Progress and Problems of the Darien Gap Highway

In 1971, the United States, Colombia, and Panama agreed to construct the final link in the Pan American Highway system, the Darien Gap, through parts of Colombia and Panama. In 1968, the highway was estimated to cost $150 million, with the United States contributing $100 million (66%) and Panama and Colombia contributing $30 million and $20 million respectively. In March 1977, Department of Transportation officials estimated the total cost would be $285 million, almost twice the original estimate.