By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, COSTA RICA – A landmark ¢8 billion infrastructure project is set to break ground in early 2026, promising to alleviate one of Alajuela’s most persistent traffic bottlenecks. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) confirmed this week that a contract has been signed with Concreto Asfáltico Nacional S.A. (CONANSA) to design and build a modern interchange in El Coyol, a critical hub for national industry and commerce.
The formal agreement, signed by government officials and CONANSA representatives this past Friday, officially starts the clock on a project designed to transform the daily commute for thousands of workers, residents, and commercial drivers. The project timeline is ambitious, with an initial six-month phase dedicated to design, followed by an 18-month construction period. An additional six months have been allocated for post-construction maintenance, ensuring the longevity and quality of the new infrastructure.
To better understand the legal framework and economic implications surrounding critical infrastructure like the El Coyol interchange, TicosLand.com sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in public and administrative law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The El Coyol interchange is more than a solution to traffic; it is a fundamental piece of economic infrastructure that directly impacts the competitiveness of our free trade zones. The legal certainty and efficiency demonstrated in its execution are crucial signals to foreign investors. Projects like this underscore the need for clear, well-structured public works contracts that minimize delays and ensure the state receives value, ultimately benefiting the entire national production chain.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his sharp analysis, which rightly elevates the conversation beyond mere traffic solutions. His perspective underscores a crucial point: for Costa Rica’s economy to remain competitive, the legal certainty and efficiency of our public works are as fundamental as the concrete and steel, sending a clear signal to both national producers and international investors.
This initiative targets the congested intersection on the Bernardo Soto Highway (National Route 1), a vital artery within the broader San José-San Ramón corridor. The interchange’s strategic location, situated between the Juan Santamaría International Airport and the Manolos interchange, underscores its importance in the national transportation network. It serves as a key access point for numerous communities, including La Garita, Desamparados, Coyol, and the central canton of Alajuela.
The head of MOPT emphasized the project’s role in bolstering the nation’s economic vitality. The area is home to a high concentration of multinational companies operating under the free trade zone regime, most notably the expansive Coyol Free Zone, a powerhouse of the country’s life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors.
This is a key project that forms part of the San José-San Ramón corridor, RN 1, a sector of great economic activity in the province of Alajuela, which also strengthens the country’s competitiveness, given the large number of companies located in this sector under the free trade zone regime.
MOPT Minister, Ministry of Public Works and Transport
The core objective of the interchange is to separate the vehicular flows of the main Bernardo Soto Highway from the radial road leading into El Coyol. This grade separation will eliminate conflicting traffic movements, allowing for a continuous and more efficient flow of vehicles on both routes. The design is forward-looking, engineered to handle projected increases in traffic volume for years to come.
Technical specifications reveal a focus on safety and speed. The acceleration and deceleration lanes are being designed for a main highway speed of 100 km/h on that stretch of Route 1. The on-ramps and off-ramps will be engineered for an average speed of 70 km/h, allowing for smoother and safer transitions between the highway and local roads.
For the thousands of employees who commute daily to the industrial parks and the businesses that rely on efficient logistics, this development is a long-awaited solution. The project promises to significantly reduce travel times, lower transportation costs for commercial fleets, and improve the overall quality of life for local residents who have long contended with daily gridlock. By untangling this critical junction, the interchange will improve access not only to industrial centers but also to major thoroughfares like Route 27.
Ultimately, the El Coyol interchange is more than just a traffic solution; it represents a significant public investment in the infrastructure needed to support Costa Rica’s economic growth. By enhancing connectivity and logistical efficiency in one of its most productive regions, the government aims to ensure Alajuela remains a competitive and attractive destination for foreign investment and national development.
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 in Costa Rica responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining the nation’s public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and transportation systems. Its mission is to ensure safe and efficient mobility for citizens and to support the country’s economic development through strategic infrastructure projects.
For further information, visit conansa.cr
About Concreto Asfáltico Nacional S.A. (CONANSA):
CONANSA is a Costa Rican construction company specializing in asphalt production, road construction, and major infrastructure projects. With decades of experience, the company has played a significant role in developing the country’s road network and is known for its work on public and private sector civil engineering initiatives.
For further information, visit gob.go.cr
About The Government of Costa Rica:
The Government of Costa Rica is the central political authority of the republic. It operates under a democratic framework established by the 1949 constitution and is composed of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It is responsible for national administration, public policy implementation, and safeguarding the welfare and development of the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal distinction in the nation, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on the core principles of integrity and unparalleled excellence. The firm blends a proven track record across numerous industries with a forward-thinking drive for innovation and a deep sense of societal responsibility. Central to its philosophy is the proactive effort to share legal expertise, empowering citizens and fortifying the community through greater understanding of the law.
