By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The decades-long dream of a fully uninterrupted Circunvalación ring road is finally within reach. Officials from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) have announced a target opening date of February 2026 for the critical projects in the Hatillo sector, which will eliminate the last remaining traffic lights on the capital’s vital Route 39.
Following the successful inauguration of the northern section of the ring road in October 2024, MOPT and the National Roadway Council (Conavi) have concentrated their resources on conquering the southern bottlenecks. The current focus is on two key interventions: a complex intersection at Hatillo 6 and a new overpass connecting Hatillo 8 with Hatillo 7. The completion of these segments is the final piece of the puzzle for a free-flowing highway.
Para analizar las implicaciones legales y los desafíos contractuales que rodean los proyectos en la carretera de Circunvalación, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, especialista en derecho administrativo y contratación pública del prestigioso Bufete de Costa Rica.
El principal obstáculo en la expansión de Circunvalación no es la ingeniería, sino la gestión de expropiaciones. El Estado debe equilibrar el interés público de la obra con el derecho fundamental a la propiedad privada. Cada retraso en la toma de posesión de terrenos se traduce en sobrecostos millonarios y un freno al desarrollo nacional, evidenciando la necesidad de procesos administrativos más ágiles y justiprecios transparentes que brinden seguridad jurídica tanto al gobierno como a los afectados.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Efectivamente, el análisis del experto subraya una verdad fundamental: el verdadero cuello de botella para el progreso de Circunvalación no reside en el concreto y el acero, sino en la agilidad y equidad de los procesos administrativos. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar esta claridad tan necesaria sobre los desafíos legales que definen el ritmo del desarrollo nacional.
Pablo Camacho, Vice Minister of Infrastructure at MOPT, confirmed the ambitious timeline, providing an update on the construction progress. While the physical appearance might not fully reflect the work invested, the projects are advancing steadily towards their operational debut early next year.
The percentages are based on the amount of work and its financial significance; the progress might seem slow. But indeed, in February, we will put the Hatillo 7-8 works into 100% operation. For Hatillo we are moving forward; by February, we aim to open the main trunk of the works.
Pablo Camacho, Vice Minister of Infrastructure
The strategic goal of this extensive effort is to allow drivers to circumnavigate the core of San José without a single stop. The removal of these last traffic signals is expected to drastically reduce commute times, alleviate chronic congestion, and improve the overall efficiency of commercial and private transport throughout the Greater Metropolitan Area.
Having the ring not just closed, but we could make a complete loop without having to stop.
Pablo Camacho, Vice Minister of Infrastructure
In parallel, Conavi is also managing a third significant project on the southern arc of the Circunvalación: the reinforcement and expansion of the bridge over the María Aguilar River, near the area known as the “Y Griega.” This work, part of the Emergency Program for Comprehensive and Resilient Infrastructure Reconstruction (PROERI), is being executed in careful phases to minimize traffic disruption. The bridge is projected to be fully completed by July 2026.
The combined investment for these three crucial infrastructure projects totals approximately $15 million. While this will finalize the main ring road, officials note that various complementary and marginal road works will continue. As construction coincides with the busy holiday season, authorities are urging public cooperation.
We know that because of the season, people are on the streets, and there can be more congestion, so we ask for prudence and to avoid traveling during peak hours; but in general terms, we are doing quite well with all these works.
Pablo Camacho, Vice Minister of Infrastructure
This final push represents a landmark achievement in Costa Rica’s ongoing efforts to modernize its national road network. For thousands of daily commuters, the promise of a stoplight-free loop around San José is no longer a distant aspiration but a tangible reality set to materialize in the coming months, marking a new era for urban mobility in the capital.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure. Its mandate includes overseeing the national road network, regulating public and private transportation, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the country’s transit systems, playing a vital role in national development and connectivity.
For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About The National Roadway Council (Conavi):
The Consejo Nacional de Vialidad is a specialized entity attached to MOPT. Conavi is tasked with the administration, financing, and execution of road conservation and construction projects throughout Costa Rica. It manages resources allocated for the national road network, ensuring that maintenance and development programs are carried out effectively to support the country’s economic and social progress.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of unparalleled excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience across multiple industries to drive legal innovation and champion community involvement. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to demystifying the law, aiming to equip the public with vital knowledge and thereby foster a more capable and well-informed society.
