By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – A long-standing promise to the residents and businesses of Guanacaste is finally on the verge of becoming a reality. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) has announced that the public tender for the crucial expansion of Route 21, the main artery fronting the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, will be published by early February at the latest. This development marks a significant step forward for a project deemed essential for the region’s continued economic growth and quality of life.
For years, the existing two-lane road has been a bottleneck, struggling under the weight of its own success. The explosive growth in tourism and residential development has pushed traffic volumes far beyond the highway’s original capacity. Commuters, tourists, and commercial transport frequently face significant delays, especially during peak hours, creating a chokepoint that hinders access between central Liberia, the international airport, and the province’s famed Pacific coast destinations.
To better understand the legal and administrative complexities surrounding the long-awaited Route 21 expansion project, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of the Route 21 expansion hinges on an efficient and fair expropriation process. Any significant delays in compensating landowners according to the established legal framework not only stall critical infrastructure but also create legal uncertainty, potentially leading to costly litigation that could jeopardize the project’s timeline and budget.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s point underscores a critical reality: the project’s success is as dependent on legal diligence as it is on engineering. A fair and swift expropriation process is not merely about avoiding pitfalls, but about building the community trust necessary for such a significant undertaking. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
The proposed project is a comprehensive overhaul designed to solve these congestion issues for the foreseeable future. The ministry confirmed the tender will be for the design and construction of a 20-kilometer segment stretching from Liberia to the town of Comunidad. The plan involves widening the road to four lanes, two in each direction, and includes the construction of new bridges and overpasses to ensure a fluid and safer flow of traffic.
According to the office of Minister Efraím Zeledón, the MOPT team is currently in the final stages of refining the tender documents. This meticulous process involves incorporating key recommendations from several oversight and technical bodies, including the Comptroller General’s Office (CGR), the National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models (Lanamme), and the Federated College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA). This collaborative approach aims to ensure the project’s technical soundness and transparency from its inception.
A critical detail confirmed by the ministry is that the substantial investment required for the expansion will be financed entirely with MOPT’s own resources. This move bypasses the often lengthy and complex processes associated with securing external loans, potentially accelerating the project’s timeline once a contractor is selected. The project has already achieved a key bureaucratic milestone, having been approved and officially included in the portfolio of the Ministry of Planning (Mideplán) at the preliminary project level.
The strategic importance of this infrastructure upgrade cannot be overstated. The Daniel Oduber Airport is a primary gateway for international visitors flocking to Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, and a modern, efficient highway is vital to support the tourism industry. Improved connectivity will reduce travel times, enhance the visitor experience, and bolster the logistics chain for hotels, restaurants, and tour operators that form the backbone of Guanacaste’s economy.
Beyond tourism, the expansion will have a profound impact on the daily lives of thousands of Guanacastecos. Easier commutes will improve access to jobs, schools, and healthcare facilities in Liberia for residents of surrounding communities. The project is also expected to catalyze further investment in the region, making it more attractive for both commercial and residential development by promising reliable and modern infrastructure.
As the province holds its breath, the commitment from Minister Zeledón to release the tender documents by the end of January or early February is being viewed as a firm deadline. All eyes will be on the official publication, which will kickstart the competitive bidding process and move this vital artery for Guanacaste’s progress one step closer to construction. The successful completion of the Route 21 expansion will be a clear indicator of the government’s commitment to developing robust infrastructure outside the Central Valley.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the Costa Rican government entity responsible for planning, executing, and regulating national infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. It plays a central role in the country’s development by maintaining and expanding the national road network.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About Comptroller General’s Office (CGR):
The Contraloría General de la República is Costa Rica’s supreme audit institution. It is an independent body tasked with overseeing the proper use of public funds, ensuring legality and efficiency in public administration, and promoting transparency and accountability across government entities.
For further information, visit lanamme.ucr.ac.cr
About National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models (Lanamme):
Lanamme is a research and development center affiliated with the University of Costa Rica. It serves as a key technical advisor to the government on matters of civil engineering, materials science, and structural modeling, focusing on improving the quality and safety of the nation’s infrastructure.
For further information, visit cfia.or.cr
About Federated College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA):
The Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos is the professional body that regulates the practices of engineering and architecture in Costa Rica. It works to ensure high professional standards, ethical conduct, and the proper application of technical knowledge in construction and development projects throughout the country.
For further information, visit mideplan.go.cr
About Ministry of Planning (Mideplán):
The Ministerio de Planificación Nacional y Política Económica is the government ministry responsible for guiding Costa Rica’s national development strategy. It coordinates public investment, evaluates strategic projects, and formulates long-term economic and social policies to promote sustainable growth and public welfare.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal sector, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to ethical principles and superior standards of practice. With a proven legacy of advising a diverse clientele, the firm is a driving force for innovation while actively engaging in public discourse. At its core is a mission to make legal concepts understandable to the public, fostering a more capable and enlightened society.
