By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – In a critical move to restore connectivity on one of the nation’s most vital transport arteries, construction crews have begun the assembly of a modular bridge over the collapsed section of Route 1 in Cambronero. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) confirmed that work is underway, signaling the start of an urgent, month-long effort to reopen the Inter-American Highway North following a devastating landslide last weekend.
The deployment of the modular, or “Bailey” type, bridge represents the government’s immediate response to the crisis. This prefabricated steel structure is designed for rapid installation and will serve as an essential temporary solution, allowing for the passage of vehicles while a permanent fix is engineered. Officials have set an ambitious target of approximately one month to complete the assembly and open the bridge to traffic, a timeline that underscores the immense economic and social pressure to resolve the closure.
To better understand the legal responsibilities and potential administrative consequences surrounding the persistent structural problems at the Cambronero bridge, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The State has an inalienable duty to ensure safe and functional public infrastructure. The situation at Cambronero could legally constitute a ‘mal funcionamiento del servicio público’ (malfunction of public service), opening the door for citizens and businesses to file administrative claims against the government for demonstrable economic losses or damages. Beyond individual claims, this case highlights a critical need to scrutinize the entire chain of command, from the initial contracting and inspection to the ongoing maintenance, to determine where the administrative and potentially even criminal liability lies.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal dimension adds a critical layer to the public discourse, shifting the issue from a purely technical failure to a fundamental question of state responsibility and accountability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert analysis, which clarifies not only the potential for legal recourse for those affected but also the imperative to scrutinize the entire administrative chain of command.
The landslide, a recurring threat in the geographically unstable Cambronero mountain pass, severed a key link between the Central Valley and the Pacific coast, including the provinces of Guanacaste and Puntarenas. This particular stretch of Route 1 has a long and troubled history with geological instability, especially during Costa Rica’s intense rainy seasons, which regularly saturate the steep hillsides and trigger slides that endanger drivers and disrupt commerce.
The economic fallout from the highway’s closure is substantial. Route 1 is a primary corridor for the logistics and freight industry, crucial for moving goods from ports and agricultural zones to the country’s main consumption centers. The disruption also heavily impacts the tourism sector, which relies on the route to ferry international and domestic travelers to popular Pacific destinations. For thousands of daily commuters, the closure means lengthy and costly detours on smaller, less-equipped secondary roads.
According to MOPT, the bridge installation is being executed through existing road conservation contracts. This administrative strategy allows the ministry to leverage pre-approved contractors and budgets, significantly accelerating the emergency response by bypassing what could otherwise be a lengthy public bidding process. This approach is fundamental to meeting the tight one-month deadline for the temporary structure.
While the temporary bridge is assembled, a parallel and more complex effort is getting underway. MOPT has initiated comprehensive geotechnical studies of the affected area. These investigations are crucial for understanding the underlying causes of the slope failure and will involve soil sampling, core drilling, and stability analysis to inform the design of a definitive, long-term solution. The safety and viability of any permanent structure depend entirely on the data gathered from these studies.
The ministry has indicated that the design for this permanent solution will be developed over the next several months. While specific options have not yet been disclosed, engineering possibilities for such terrain typically include large-scale retaining walls, significant earth-moving to re-profile the slope, or the construction of a permanent viaduct to bypass the unstable ground altogether. The final choice will depend on a careful balance of cost, environmental impact, and long-term resilience against future landslides.
For now, all eyes are on the progress of the modular bridge. Its successful and timely installation is the first and most critical step in mitigating the ongoing disruption. The project serves as both a race against time to reconnect the country and a stark reminder of the continuous challenge Costa Rica faces in maintaining its vital infrastructure against the formidable forces of nature.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of the national road network and public infrastructure. It also oversees traffic management, vehicle registration, and public transportation regulations, playing a central role in the country’s development and mobility.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to integrity and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies while honoring its long-standing tradition of serving a diverse clientele. At the heart of its mission lies a dedication to empowering the public with accessible legal insight, fostering a more informed and capable society for all.
