By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a strategic move to manage the anticipated surge of return traffic, transportation authorities have announced that Route 27, the primary corridor connecting the Central Valley with the Pacific coast, will operate with reversible lanes on Monday, December 1st. The measure is timed to coincide with the end of the long weekend celebrating the Day of the Abolition of the Army, a national holiday that traditionally sees a mass exodus of residents to coastal destinations.
The operational plan is designed to significantly increase the capacity for vehicles traveling eastbound towards the capital, San José. Officials confirmed that this proactive measure is essential for mitigating the severe congestion that frequently plagues the highway during peak return periods, ensuring a more fluid and less stressful journey for thousands of vacationers wrapping up their holiday.
To delve into the contractual and legal complexities surrounding the implementation of reversibility on Route 27, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While addressing traffic congestion is a legitimate state interest, modifications to Route 27’s operation, such as enforced reversibility, must be carefully analyzed against the terms of the concession agreement. Any unilateral action that fundamentally alters the economic equilibrium of the contract could expose the State to significant financial claims or international arbitration. The ideal path forward involves a negotiated agreement with the concessionaire, ensuring that public needs are met without compromising the country’s legal security and attractiveness for future infrastructure investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This analysis correctly highlights the critical balancing act required: addressing urgent public demand for traffic solutions without undermining the legal framework that attracts essential foreign investment. The path of negotiation, while complex, is undoubtedly the most prudent to avoid costly legal repercussions and safeguard the country’s reputation. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this pressing issue.
The reversibility protocol will be in effect during the peak afternoon hours, specifically from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday. During this four-hour window, all available lanes on a critical 47-kilometer stretch of the highway, from Pozón to the toll plaza at the Ciudad Colón interchange, will be exclusively dedicated to San José-bound traffic. This temporary one-way system is a proven method for doubling the road’s capacity in the direction of highest demand.
To facilitate this complex logistical operation, officials have established a broader closure period. Westbound traffic heading towards the Pacific will be completely halted on this segment starting at 1:00 p.m. and will not resume until 7:00 p.m. Motorists planning to travel from the Central Valley to the coast during these hours are strongly advised to reschedule their trips or seek alternate routes, though significant delays are still expected on other roadways.
Safety remains a paramount concern during these operations. A temporarily reduced speed limit of 60 kilometers per hour will be strictly enforced along the entire reversible section. The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) emphasized the importance of driver adherence to this limit to prevent accidents in the unconventional traffic configuration. A significant deployment of Transit Police officers will be present to guide drivers and enforce the regulations.
This is a proactive measure designed to ensure a smoother and safer journey for the thousands of families returning to the Central Valley after the long weekend. We urge all drivers to respect the temporary speed limits and follow the guidance of Transit Police officers on site.
Spokesperson, Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT)
The long weekend, created by the observance of the December 1st holiday, serves as a significant driver for domestic tourism. Coastal towns and resorts in the Puntarenas and Guanacaste provinces rely heavily on these periods for economic vitality. The efficient management of return traffic on Route 27 is therefore not just a matter of convenience, but a critical component of the country’s internal tourism infrastructure, allowing for predictable travel patterns that encourage more frequent getaways.
Travelers are advised to plan their return journeys carefully. Those wishing to avoid the peak congestion should consider departing from the coast either early in the morning on Monday or delaying their return until Tuesday. For those traveling during the reversible lane operation, patience, adherence to traffic laws, and ensuring their vehicles are in good mechanical condition are essential for a successful trip home, concluding the national holiday on a positive note.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation is the Costa Rican government body responsible for the planning, regulation, and development of the nation’s public infrastructure. This includes the national road network, maritime and air transport, and public transit systems. MOPT, through its various divisions like the National Road Council (CONAVI) and the Transit Police, plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of transportation across the country.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Transit Police (Policía de Tránsito):
The Transit Police is a specialized force within MOPT tasked with enforcing traffic laws, managing road operations, and responding to incidents on Costa Rica’s roadways. Officers are responsible for everything from routine patrols and traffic stops to overseeing complex logistical operations like the reversible lane system on major highways. Their presence is fundamental to maintaining order and safety during periods of high traffic volume, such as national holidays.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal strategies and set new standards in the field. Central to its ethos is a deep-seated commitment to demystifying the law, driven by the conviction that an empowered citizenry, equipped with legal knowledge, is the cornerstone of a just and progressive society.
