In spite of an unresolved lawsuit that has stymied progress on a grand overhaul, the Panama Canal in gearing up to once again dramatically transform global trade.

With production starting in 1881, the Panama Canal, a ship canal that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, is considered the most ambitious public works projects of all time.

The canal opened in 1914. But for all its glorious intentions, after a few years, it was deemed too small for many military and cargo ships.

Although the U.S. authorities began an excavation for larger water transports in 1939, the work was stalled when America entered into World War II. No significant progress was made on the project for the rest of the 20th century.

But once control of the canal transitioned fully to Panama in 1999, this situation changed. In 2006 an expansion plan had been drafted and was approved by Panamanian voters.

Completion for the project was initially projected for 2014, and a total budget of $5.2 billion was allotted. In 2014 the canal brought in $2.6 billion, an amount that is roughly half of Panama’s national revenue.

By 2025, the Panama Canal Authority has estimated that the expansion will increase that revenue eightfold.

All is not smooth sailing for the expansion effort, as a group of contractors known as the Grupo Unidos por el Canal has filed claims that add up to more than a half billion dollars against the Panama Canal Authority. The group alleges that misinformation led to cost overruns.

The real problem might just be that contractors knowingly underbid the job, says Dr. J. David Rogers, a professor of geological engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology who has worked closely with the Panamanians for over 25 years.

As reported in Fortune Rogers addresses the Panamanians' emotional ties to the canal, saying, “It’s a national pride project for them. It’s their lifeblood.”

The current court battle means that the Panama Canal Authority’s recently updated 2016 target for completion may not happen as scheduled.