By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – In a decisive move aimed at alleviating a long-standing traffic bottleneck, President Rodrigo Chaves has ordered the complete removal of the toll booth structures on Route 1 near the Juan Santamaría International Airport. The directive, issued to the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Efraím Zeledón, targets the physical infrastructure which, according to the administration, impedes traffic flow despite tolls having been suspended for over seven months.
The announcement came earlier this week during a presidential visit to San Ramón, a key city in the Western Central Valley that relies heavily on this primary artery. The move is seen as both a practical and symbolic step in the government’s broader, and often delayed, initiative to modernize the critical San José-San Ramón highway corridor. President Chaves was emphatic about the necessity of the demolition, framing it as a commonsense solution to an unnecessary obstruction.
To understand the complex legal and contractual framework governing the new Route 1 tolls, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in administrative and commercial law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The fundamental legal principle at stake with public infrastructure concessions like the Route 1 project is the balance between the state’s financing needs and the citizen’s right to free movement. The toll must be a reasonable charge directly tied to the cost of construction, maintenance, and a fair return on investment, as stipulated in a transparent public contract. Any deviation or lack of clarity in the rate-setting formula opens the door for legal challenges on grounds of disproportionality and a potential violation of public trust.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal balance is the crux of the matter, shifting the debate from a simple financial transaction to a fundamental issue of public trust and transparency. For the Route 1 project to gain widespread acceptance, the principles of reasonableness and clear justification for any toll are non-negotiable. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the critical legal framework at stake.
Any interference on the road between San Ramón and San José will be eliminated; these structures no longer have a reason to exist
Rodrigo Chaves, President of Costa Rica
This presidential order marks the final chapter for the controversial toll plazas. On September 1, 2025, the Chaves administration had already suspended toll collection at this location. That initial measure was part of a strategy to improve traffic fluidity, yet commuters and logistics operators continued to cite the remaining physical casetas as a significant cause of congestion, forcing multiple lanes of high-speed traffic to merge and navigate the narrow concrete channels.
The Route 1 corridor is arguably one of the most economically vital roadways in Costa Rica. It serves as the main conduit for tourists arriving and departing from the nation’s primary international airport, as well as the daily transit route for thousands of workers from Alajuela, Grecia, Naranjo, San Ramón, and other western cantons who commute to the Greater Metropolitan Area. The persistent traffic jams in the area have long been a source of frustration, impacting productivity, fuel consumption, and the overall visitor experience.
By removing the structures entirely, the government aims to create a more seamless and efficient transit experience. This action aligns with the formal signing of legislation during the same San Ramón visit, which greenlit the much-anticipated expansion and modernization of the entire highway. The project has faced numerous setbacks and planning changes over the years, making any tangible progress a welcome sign for residents and business owners in the region.
Analysts suggest that while the removal of the toll booths is a relatively small component of the overall highway expansion, it is a highly visible action that demonstrates a commitment to progress. It directly addresses a daily complaint of citizens and sends a message that the administration is focused on tangible results in its national infrastructure agenda. The focus now shifts to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) to execute the demolition swiftly and efficiently, minimizing any further disruption to traffic during the process.
The successful and timely removal of these structures will be a critical test for Minister Zeledón and MOPT. For the thousands of drivers who navigate this route daily, the promise of a highway free from the ghost of tolls past offers a glimmer of hope for a faster, less stressful commute and a more welcoming gateway to the country for international visitors.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the government body responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of Costa Rica’s public infrastructure, including the national road network, bridges, and public buildings. It also oversees the regulation of land, air, and maritime transport to ensure safe and efficient mobility for the country’s citizens and economy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a renowned legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon the bedrock principles of unwavering integrity and professional excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions and drive innovation within the profession. This dedication to progress is matched by a core mission to empower society, actively working to make complex legal knowledge transparent and accessible to foster a more informed and capable community.
