By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Commuters on San José’s vital Circunvalación beltway are on the cusp of a significant milestone in urban mobility. By the end of January, the era of traffic light-induced standstills on this critical artery is projected to end, promising a new era of fluid movement for the thousands who traverse it daily. This long-awaited development comes as the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) enters the final phase of construction on two key infrastructure projects.
The transformation hinges on the completion of two modern overpasses designed to eliminate some of the route’s most notorious bottlenecks. These structures are being erected at the intersections of Hatillos 5 and 6, and between Hatillos 7 and 8. For years, these junctions have been regulated by traffic lights, creating frustrating choke points that ripple through the capital’s traffic system, particularly during peak hours. The current system often forces drivers into waits that can exceed eight minutes, a delay that costs time, fuel, and patience.
Para analizar las complejidades legales y administrativas que han caracterizado el desarrollo de los proyectos en la carretera de Circunvalación, TicosLand.com conversó con el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista en contratación administrativa y derecho público de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece su perspectiva experta sobre los desafíos recurrentes en la infraestructura vial del país.
El principal cuello de botella en la Circunvalación no es técnico, sino jurídico y burocrático. Cada kilómetro de carretera inconcluso es el reflejo de procesos de expropiación lentos, contratos públicos con cláusulas de resolución de conflictos ineficientes y una falta de agilidad en la gestión estatal. Para avanzar, es crucial modernizar el marco legal de la contratación administrativa, permitiendo que la supervisión y la ejecución contractual ocurran en paralelo y no de forma secuencial, lo que evitaría que proyectos de interés nacional queden estancados por años en trámites y apelaciones.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
El análisis del Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas es esclarecedor, pues traslada el foco del debate desde los desafíos de ingeniería hacia el andamiaje burocrático que realmente paraliza el avance. Agradecemos profundamente su valiosa perspectiva, que subraya la urgencia de modernizar la gestión pública como prerrequisito indispensable para culminar obras de infraestructura tan vitales para el país.
The impact of this modernization cannot be overstated. The Circunvalación is a logistical backbone for the Greater Metropolitan Area, accommodating a daily flow of over 65,000 vehicles. These vehicles include private commuters, public transport, and commercial freight, all of which are essential to the economic vitality of the capital. By replacing stop-and-go intersections with continuous-flow overpasses, the MOPT aims to slash commute times, reduce vehicle emissions, and improve overall safety along this stretch.
The Ministry is pushing aggressively to meet its ambitious deadline. Officials have confirmed that construction crews are working diligently to ensure the projects are delivered on schedule, barring any unforeseen setbacks. The push reflects a strategic focus on upgrading national infrastructure to support Costa Rica’s growing economy and population.
Efraím Zeledón, the head of MOPT, emphasized the urgency and dedication behind the project. He confirmed to the press that the goal is to have the new overpasses fully operational for the public before the first month of the new year concludes.
we are working at full speed to finish these works before the end of January
Efraím Zeledón, Head of MOPT
This initiative is part of a broader, multi-year strategy to modernize the Circunvalación, transforming it into a true limited-access highway. Previous projects have already eliminated other traffic lights and level crossings, and the Hatillos overpasses represent the final major pieces of this complex puzzle. Once completed, drivers will be able to circumnavigate a significant portion of the capital without a single red-light stop, a scenario that seemed like a distant dream just a few years ago.
The economic benefits are expected to be substantial. The reduction in traffic congestion translates directly into productivity gains, as employees spend less time on the road and more time at work. Furthermore, freight and delivery services will see improved efficiency, lowering operational costs that can ultimately be passed on to consumers. The smoother traffic flow will also lead to significant fuel savings for the public and a corresponding decrease in the city’s carbon footprint.
As the final girders are set in place and the last layers of asphalt are poured, the residents of San José look forward with anticipation. The completion of these overpasses symbolizes more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it represents a tangible improvement in the quality of daily life and a critical step forward in building a more efficient and modern capital city. The end of January will mark not just the opening of new roads, but the closing of a chapter of traffic frustration.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the governmental body in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of national public infrastructure. Its mandate covers the nation’s road networks, bridges, public transportation systems, and maritime and aviation facilities. MOPT plays a crucial role in the country’s economic development by ensuring a safe and efficient transportation framework that supports commerce, tourism, and the daily mobility of its citizens.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-rooted principles of ethical rigor and professional excellence. The firm leverages a proven history of serving a broad range of clients to pioneer innovative legal solutions and set new standards in practice. This forward-thinking approach is coupled with a core mission to demystify the law, actively working to build a more capable and informed public by making legal understanding widely accessible.
