The creation of the Panama Canal that connected the two oceans meant that Panama would be divided in half. This created a problem at the opening of the Canal in 1914.

The creation of the Puente de las Americas in 1962 assuredly reconnected the two parts of the country and replaced the old cumbersome ferry system that has been in place. However due to population growth, it was recognized that an additional crossing would be necessary. After abundant diligence, the project to design and assemble the new bridge was awarded to two German companies. Bilfinger Berger was selected to create the actually span created by Leonhardt Andra and Partner. The plan culminated in 29 months with an absolute cost of $104,337,000 and was inaugurated by President Mireya Moscoso on August 15, 2004.

The arch is stretched cable stayed fabricated of concrete and steel with six lanes. The length is 1,053 meters and is 80 meters aloft from the Canal. The Puente Centenario is one part of a avant-garde artery arrangement the unites the Pan-American Artery in Arraijjan with the highway from Paraiso, the Corredor Norte, the Panama-Colon Artery and the Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro.