The gates
Still working.
Ancestor of Infrogmation of New Orleans — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Ancestor of Infrogmation of New Orleans — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz) — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Charlotte Elton — CC BY-SA 3.0
The largest locks of the original canal that opened in 1914, on the Caribbean side, raising ships in three steps some twenty-six metres from sea level to Gatún Lake, or lowering them, in two parallel lanes so ships pass both ways. In their day they were among the world's greatest concrete structures, and their giant double-leaf steel gates still work on the same principle more than a century later. Electric locomotives on toothed rails tow the ships on both sides, and the water rises or falls by gravity alone, with no pumps. From a viewing platform beside the locks visitors watch ships pass close by. The road crosses the locks themselves on a narrow swing bridge by the gates, so traffic may stop for minutes while a ship passes. The modern Agua Clara Locks lie next door. Combine it with Agua Clara and Fort San Lorenzo in one day. Colón city itself has street crime, so do not wander there; go straight to the sites by car or tour.
Still working.
On toothed rails.
Over the locks.
Atlantic side of the canal, south of Colón
By gravity alone: water fills the chamber from the lake or drains to the sea, raising or lowering ships in three steps.
