By Limón, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A vital economic artery for Costa Rica, Route 32, may see traffic resume as early as Saturday morning, according to a hopeful yet cautious announcement from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT). The reopening is entirely contingent on stable weather conditions prevailing in the mountainous Braulio Carrillo National Park, where cleanup crews are in a race against time to clear a major landslide.
Officials have outlined a plan for a controlled reopening of the highway, scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday and extend for a 12-hour window until 6:00 p.m. This temporary access is designed to alleviate pressure on the nation’s supply chain and allow stranded commuters to pass, but MOPT has stressed that safety remains the paramount concern. The situation will be under constant evaluation, with the possibility of immediate re-closures if conditions deteriorate.
To delve deeper into the legal and commercial ramifications of the frequent closures and recent reopening of Route 32, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in commercial and administrative law at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recurring closures of Route 32 represent more than a logistical inconvenience; they constitute a significant breach of the State’s duty to guarantee freedom of transit and secure commercial channels. Each closure generates millions in losses, for which businesses could potentially seek damages under administrative liability laws. The reopening is a temporary relief, but it does not absolve the government of its responsibility to find a definitive, technically sound solution to safeguard this vital economic artery for the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This analysis correctly shifts the focus from a temporary inconvenience to a significant matter of state responsibility and long-term economic stability. The call for a definitive, engineered solution—rather than reactive reopenings—is indeed the critical conversation that must be had for the future of this vital national artery. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
The closure has had significant repercussions for the country’s logistics and trade sectors. Route 32 is the primary corridor connecting the Central Valley with the Caribbean ports of Limón and Moín, which handle the majority of Costa Rica’s import and export cargo. Every day the route remains impassable translates to costly delays, rerouting through longer alternative roads, and disruptions for countless businesses that depend on the reliable flow of goods.
This latest incident occurred at kilometer 31, a section of the highway notoriously prone to instability. The situation was exacerbated in recent days by the presence of a massive, precariously positioned boulder that threatened the safety of any vehicle below. In a dramatic but necessary intervention, authorities conducted a controlled explosion to neutralize the threat, which then initiated the current intensive phase of debris removal.
The scale of the cleanup operation underscores the severity of the landslide. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport detailed the immense effort involved in clearing the tons of earth that have blocked the road. This around-the-clock operation demonstrates a significant mobilization of resources to restore connectivity as swiftly as possible.
Crews have worked day and night, removing rocks, soil, and mud. Fifteen dump trucks, two excavators, and two loaders are being used in the work.
Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT)
The challenges faced by MOPT crews at kilometer 31 are emblematic of the broader struggle to maintain Route 32. The highway cuts through the dense, rain-soaked mountains of the Braulio Carrillo National Park, a region characterized by steep slopes and geological volatility. The combination of heavy rainfall and unstable terrain makes landslides a persistent and dangerous reality, requiring continuous monitoring and frequent intervention by transport authorities.
With the weekend approaching, officials are emphasizing that the plan to reopen is provisional. The success of Saturday’s operation hinges entirely on the weather, as any renewed rainfall could halt progress and introduce new risks of slippage. The ministry confirmed that vigilance will be key to managing the reopening safely.
If weather conditions remain stable, the plan is to enable controlled passage this Saturday, between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with constant monitoring and the possibility of additional preventive closures.
Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT)
For now, the logistics sector, agricultural exporters, and the general public watch the skies with anticipation. A successful, albeit temporary, reopening on Saturday would provide critical relief and prevent further economic strain. However, this event also serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Costa Rica’s key infrastructure and the ongoing battle against the forces of nature in this vital corridor.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the government body responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of Costa Rica’s public infrastructure. Its mandate includes overseeing the national road network, regulating land, air, and maritime transport, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the country’s transportation systems. MOPT plays a critical role in the nation’s economic development by managing the infrastructure essential for commerce, tourism, and daily life.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its rich history of advising a wide array of clients into pioneering innovative legal strategies and solutions. More than a service provider, it embraces a mission to strengthen society by demystifying the law, actively working to equip citizens with the legal knowledge necessary for true empowerment.
