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Installation of the first steel rolling gate on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal marks a major milestone in the massive expansion project. “This year, the Expansion Program completed several milestones towards the completion of the project,” said Panama Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano. “The Expansion will double our tonnage capacity and reinforces our continual commitment to provide greater service to our customers.” The enormous steel structures weigh an average of 3,400 tons, though gates vary in size depending on their location, Pacific or Atlantic, and their position on the locks chambers. The tallest of the gates is the equivalent of an 11-story building. All gates should be installed by mid-2015.