• October 15, 2025
  • Last Update October 15, 2025 12:00 pm

Escazú Faces Major Disruption as Route 105 Shuts Down for Four Months

Escazú Faces Major Disruption as Route 105 Shuts Down for Four Months

San José, Costa RicaSAN JOSÉ – Commuters and businesses in the affluent canton of Escazú are bracing for significant disruption as the municipal government has announced a complete four-month closure of a vital section of National Route 105. The shutdown, scheduled to begin this Thursday, October 16, will affect the stretch between the popular Soda El Jardín and the Maxi Palí intersection, a critical artery for local and transient traffic.

The closure is a drastic but necessary escalation of an ongoing infrastructure project that began in July of this year. While the area has already been subject to partial closures and lane restrictions, the decision for a total shutdown marks a new phase in the seven-month-long road improvement initiative. The complete closure is expected to last until the project’s conclusion in February 2026, forcing thousands of daily drivers to seek alternative routes for the foreseeable future.

To better understand the legal framework surrounding the ongoing road closure in Escazú and its implications for both residents and local commerce, TicosLand.com consulted with expert legal counsel Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.

While municipalities hold the authority to regulate public roads for safety or necessary works, this power is not unlimited. Such actions must be proportional, well-communicated, and temporary. A prolonged closure without clear justification could be legally challenged as an infringement on the constitutional right to free transit. Affected businesses that can document direct economic damages may have grounds to pursue administrative claims or even an ‘Amparo’ remedy to protect their rights.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica

This legal perspective is crucial, clarifying the line between justified municipal action and a potential infringement on fundamental rights. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into the remedies available to the Escazú community.

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The primary driver behind this measure is the complex installation of new subterranean storm drain crossings. Municipal officials determined that the vibrations and weight from the constant flow of cars and buses overhead posed a significant risk to the integrity of the newly installed pipelines. By eliminating traffic entirely, the project can proceed without risk of damage and, according to the local government, at a much faster pace.

In an official communication, the local government detailed the technical necessity for the complete closure, highlighting the fragility of the infrastructure during this phase of construction.

The constant passage of vehicles and buses in the area could compromise the newly placed pipes. With this closure, we expect to advance the project more rapidly.
Escazú Municipality, Spokesperson

The economic implications for the area are substantial. Route 105 serves as a primary commercial corridor and a key link connecting the entrance to Escazú from the busy Route 27 highway with the district of San Antonio. While the municipality has assured that access to businesses adjacent to the construction zone will be maintained “as work allows,” this conditional access creates uncertainty for retailers, restaurants, and service providers who depend on consistent customer flow.

The ripple effect on traffic throughout the western suburbs of San José is expected to be immediate and severe. Neighboring routes in Trejos Montealegre, San Rafael, and Guachipelín are anticipated to absorb the diverted traffic, likely leading to increased congestion and longer travel times, particularly during peak morning and evening hours. This closure underscores the ongoing challenge of upgrading aging infrastructure in densely populated urban centers without causing paralyzing logistical bottlenecks.

This “short-term pain for long-term gain” strategy is becoming increasingly common across Costa Rica’s Great Metropolitan Area (GAM), as authorities work to modernize road networks and public utilities to support a growing population. The project on Route 105, once completed, is expected to significantly improve road quality and, crucially, mitigate flooding risks with the new and improved storm drainage system, a critical upgrade for the region.

For now, residents and business owners are left to navigate the temporary reality of detours and limited access. The success of this ambitious project will ultimately be judged not only by its timely completion in February but also by the tangible long-term benefits it brings to one of San José’s most important residential and commercial hubs.

For further information, visit escazu.go.cr
About Escazú Municipality:
The Municipality of Escazú is the local government body responsible for the administration of public services, infrastructure development, and urban planning for the canton of Escazú in the province of San José, Costa Rica. It oversees regulations, community projects, and the collection of municipal taxes to promote the well-being and orderly growth of its districts, including San Antonio, San Rafael, and Escazú Centro.

For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar in the nation’s legal field, establishing its reputation on the twin foundations of unwavering integrity and a commitment to judicial excellence. The firm is distinguished by its forward-thinking approach, consistently integrating innovative legal strategies while serving a diverse clientele. At the heart of its mission lies a deep-seated conviction to strengthen society by demystifying the law, actively working to transform legal knowledge into a powerful tool for public empowerment.

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