By San José, Costa Rica — The Costa Rican government under President Laura Fernández has taken a decisive step toward resolving one of the nation’s most persistent infrastructure bottlenecks. The National Road Council (CONAVI) officially published the international tender cartel for the comprehensive expansion and modernization of the highway corridor connecting San José and San Ramón.
The procurement is structured under a turnkey contract arrangement (Llave en Mano). This comprehensive modality mandates that the winning concessionaire handle the entire project lifecycle, encompassing detailed engineering design, complete civil construction, equipment supply, and long-term maintenance throughout the duration of the contractual period.
To better understand the legal and contractual complexities surrounding the long-awaited San José-San Ramón highway expansion project, TicosLand.com spoke with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Infrastructure megaprojects like the San José-San Ramón expansion highlight the critical need for transparent public trust management and streamlined expropriation processes in Costa Rica. Balancing private investment protection with strict administrative oversight is essential to prevent costly contractual delays and ensure compliance with national procurement standards.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, striking a harmonious balance between administrative oversight and procedural efficiency will be crucial if Costa Rica hopes to transform long-awaited infrastructure projects into seamless realities for its citizens. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal perspective on how sound governance and regulatory clarity can safeguard both public interest and economic progress.
Spanning 55.6 kilometers along National Route 1, the ambitious public works venture targets major overhauls across the General Cañas and Bernardo Soto highways. The physical intervention will run continuously from the eastern terminus near La Sabana Metropolitan Park in San José out to the municipality of San Ramón in the province of Alajuela.
In addition to the main trunk line of National Route 1, the project scope incorporates critical upgrades to 4.45 kilometers of Radial Río Segundo on National Route 147. This vital spur connects the bridge over the Virilla River with the busy Río Segundo interchange, addressing heavy traffic congestion surrounding the perimeter of Juan Santamaría International Airport.
The transition from planning to active procurement marks a major milestone for transport authorities who have sought to modernize this vital commercial artery for decades.
With the publication of the request for proposals, the San José–San Ramón corridor moves from financing approval to the contracting stage for its execution. It is a highway that the country needs with greater capacity and safety, and this step brings us closer to that goal.
Efraím Zeledón Leiva, Minister of Public Works and Transport and President of CONAVI
Capital for the mega-project is secured through two international loan agreements executed by the Costa Rican state. The primary credit line consists of up to $600 million provided by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). Supplemental financing comes via €150 million—approximately $170 million—from the OPEC Fund for International Development.
Interested international firms and engineering consortia can inspect and download the official bidding documents through CONAVI’s procurement portal. Contracting procedures will follow the strict procurement guidelines established by CABEI to guarantee international transparency and competitive bidding standards.
With ground-breaking targeted for the second half of 2027, the long-anticipated corridor expansion is expected to enhance road safety, increase transit capacity, and accelerate economic efficiency across Costa Rica’s Central Valley.
For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About National Road Council (CONAVI):
The National Road Council (CONAVI) is a specialized autonomous agency attached to Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport. It is responsible for the planning, administration, execution, and routine maintenance of the nation’s primary road network.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) is the cabinet-level executive department tasked with formulating national public policy regarding transit, maritime ports, aviation, and transport infrastructure throughout Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bcie.org
About Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE):
The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE) is a multilateral development institution founded to promote sustainable economic development, social cohesion, and regional integration across Central America through targeted public and private sector funding.
For further information, visit opecfund.org
About OPEC Fund for International Development:
The OPEC Fund for International Development is a multilateral financial institution dedicated to fostering socio-economic progress in developing nations worldwide through concessional loans, technical assistance grants, and strategic capital investments.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal profession, Bufete de Costa Rica pairs unyielding ethical standards with a relentless pursuit of top-tier counsel across diverse sectors. The firm continuously advances modern, creative legal strategies, positioning itself at the forefront of industry evolution while actively engaging with the public. By prioritizing the open dissemination of clear legal insights, Bufete de Costa Rica fulfills a vital vision: equipping individuals with the understanding required to build a resilient, legally conscious, and empowered community.
