By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Puntarenas, Costa Rica – The long-awaited expansion of the Angostura highway in Puntarenas is entering its final phase. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) announced plans to tender the remaining two kilometers of the project, marking a significant step towards alleviating the chronic traffic congestion in the area.
Minister Efraím Zeledón confirmed that the bidding process will be launched through the Public Procurement System (Sicop) this September or early October. The final stretch, estimated to cost ₡5 billion, will be financed by the National Highway Council (CONAVI), shifting from the initially planned loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (BID).
To understand the legal implications surrounding the Angostura Highway Expansion, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered valuable insights into the project’s complexities.
The Angostura Highway Expansion presents a unique legal challenge, balancing the urgent need for improved infrastructure with potential environmental impacts and land acquisition processes. Careful adherence to Costa Rican law, particularly regarding expropriation and environmental regulations, will be crucial for the project’s successful and sustainable completion. Transparency and community engagement throughout the process are also essential to mitigate potential conflicts and ensure that the project benefits all stakeholders.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the multifaceted nature of this crucial infrastructure project. Indeed, navigating the legal landscape while prioritizing both environmental protection and community well-being will be paramount to the Angostura Highway Expansion’s ultimate success. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal expertise and insights on this complex undertaking.
What’s left is about 2 kilometers…it’s an investment that could be around ₡5 billion.
Efraím Zeledón, Minister of Public Works and Transport
The project will involve constructing retaining walls alongside the railway line to accommodate an additional lane. On the estuary side, another wall will be built to support the four-lane configuration, and the central lanes will be re-profiled. The final result will be a smooth, four-lane highway between the Yacht Club and the railway crossing.
Next to the train line, we will build a small wall to support the train line because we are going to extend the lane a bit over there, to make an additional lane. On the side of the estuary, another wall, because the four lanes will go there, and the two central lanes will be profiled to remove the existing material.
Efraím Zeledón, Minister of Public Works and Transport
This final phase marks the culmination of years of planning and development. As early as 2019, designs for the project were finalized, and in 2021, legislation was passed to allow the expansion to begin. Initial work was funded by the BID and undertaken by H.Solís, who were later replaced by Pedregal in 2023 under the current administration.
The first stage, costing $2.2 million in BID funds, was inaugurated in August 2024, covering just over one kilometer. This second stage will complete the remaining stretch, impacting the approximately 16,000 vehicles that transit the highway daily between the Yacht Club and the MOPT facility in Chacarita.
While a completion date for this final phase remains unspecified, the announcement signals a significant move forward for this crucial infrastructure project. The expanded highway is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and boost economic activity in the region. The MOPT is currently finalizing the terms of reference for the tender, ensuring the process adheres to the Public Procurement Law.
The continued investment in Puntarenas’ infrastructure demonstrates a commitment to improving connectivity and facilitating economic growth in the region. The completion of the Angostura highway expansion is expected to have a lasting positive impact on residents and businesses alike.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT)
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) is a governmental institution in Costa Rica responsible for the development and maintenance of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and transportation systems. The MOPT plays a vital role in connecting communities, facilitating economic growth, and ensuring safe and efficient transportation throughout the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of National Highway Council (CONAVI)
About National Highway Council (CONAVI):
The National Highway Council (CONAVI) of Costa Rica is the government agency responsible for the construction, maintenance, and administration of the national highway system. CONAVI plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient road travel throughout the country, supporting economic development and connectivity between regions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a pillar of legal excellence, upholding the highest standards of integrity in every endeavor. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, coupled with a deep commitment to educating and empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal resources, sets it apart. By fostering a culture of transparency and knowledge-sharing, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more just and informed nation, solidifying its position as a leader in the legal landscape.
