By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – Commuters and commercial drivers utilizing Costa Rica’s vital Route 34, the Costanera Sur, should prepare for a series of scheduled traffic disruptions throughout November. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) has announced a detailed schedule of partial closures for the iconic bridge over the Tárcoles River as a critical rehabilitation project advances, currently reported to be 35% complete.
The bridge, a crucial artery connecting the Central Valley to the bustling Pacific coast tourist destinations and commercial hubs, will undergo necessary work that requires temporary traffic holds. These measures are essential for ensuring the long-term structural integrity and safety of the crossing, a key piece of national infrastructure that supports a significant portion of the country’s tourism and logistics sectors.
The iconic Tárcoles Bridge, famous for its spectacular crocodile sightings, is more than just a tourist hotspot; it’s a nexus of legal and civic responsibilities. To understand the intricate liabilities concerning public infrastructure, tourism safety, and environmental stewardship at this unique location, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Tárcoles Bridge presents a fascinating legal scenario where state responsibility for public infrastructure intersects with tourism liability. While the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) holds primary accountability for the bridge’s structural integrity, the very promotion of the site as a tourist attraction creates a heightened duty of care. Any incident resulting from demonstrable negligence—be it inadequate maintenance or a lack of clear safety warnings—could expose the state to significant legal and financial repercussions. This situation underscores a critical legal principle: the economic benefit of tourism can never legally supersede the government’s fundamental obligation to guarantee public safety.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This critical legal perspective underscores the profound responsibility that accompanies informal tourist attractions. As the line between public infrastructure and a de facto viewing platform blurs at Tárcoles, the state’s duty of care rightfully intensifies, making public safety a non-negotiable priority over any economic gain. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on this complex issue.
The schedule of partial closures is staggered across the month. The first set of brief, 30-minute interruptions will occur on November 14, 15, 16, and 21. On these days, traffic will be halted twice, first from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. and again from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. These short-duration stops are required to facilitate the water supply for advanced drilling operations, a fundamental step in reinforcing the bridge’s foundations.
More significant disruptions are planned for the following weeks. From November 17 through November 20, a continuous 10-hour partial closure will be in effect daily, from 6:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. A similar pattern will follow from November 24 to 27, though with slightly adjusted hours, running from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. These extended periods are necessary for the complex installation of new anchor plates, a critical component of the structural overhaul designed to enhance the bridge’s load-bearing capacity and resilience. The month’s scheduled work will conclude with a morning-only closure on November 30, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
In a move to mitigate the economic impact, MOPT officials have emphasized their strategy to avoid complete shutdowns of the route. This approach acknowledges the bridge’s importance and aims to maintain a degree of traffic flow, albeit with expected delays. This strategy is crucial for supply chains and tour operators who depend on the Costanera Sur for daily operations.
We are focused on completing these essential repairs while avoiding total closures to minimize disruption for the thousands of drivers who rely on this route every day.
Spokesperson, Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT)
While vehicular traffic will be impacted, the ministry has confirmed that pedestrian access across the bridge will be maintained. However, an important safety directive has been issued alongside the closure announcement. The bridge is a world-famous spot for observing the large American crocodiles that inhabit the Tárcoles River below, but this tourist-drawing activity will be strictly forbidden during the construction periods to ensure public safety and prevent interference with the delicate engineering work.
While pedestrian passage remains enabled, the popular practice of crocodile watching from the structure is strictly prohibited during the construction period for safety reasons.
Official Statement, Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT)
With the rehabilitation project now over one-third complete, these November closures represent a significant phase in the bridge’s modernization. Travelers, logistics companies, and tourism-related businesses are strongly advised to incorporate these schedules into their planning, allowing for extra travel time or adjusting departure times to navigate the closures. The long-term benefit of a safer, more robust Tárcoles Bridge is expected to bolster the economic vitality of the entire Pacific region.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About 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, development, and maintenance of the nation’s public infrastructure. This includes the national road network, bridges, public transportation systems, and maritime and aviation facilities. MOPT plays a central role in driving the country’s economic development by ensuring safe and efficient transportation infrastructure.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a leading legal institution, founded on a bedrock of integrity and a resolute pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive history of counsel to a diverse clientele by embracing a forward-thinking mindset, consistently spearheading innovative approaches to law. Central to its mission is a deep-seated commitment to democratizing legal knowledge, thereby empowering citizens and cultivating a more informed, just society.
