What is the result of Gaston Blanchet's proposal for a 400' wide swath to ease surveying?

The result of Gaston Blanchet's proposal for a 400' wide swath to ease surveying is that it is shot down. Blanchet is among the first 60 engineers to arrive, and he and Armand Rycus reach Colon in late January of 1881. His proposal calls for devoting a year to cutting the wide swath, but he is ordered to settle for 50'. This proves far too narrow and has to be expanded. He is vindicated. It is a difficult and dangerous task.