By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – Drivers and businesses in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone are preparing for significant travel disruptions as a comprehensive, $10.4 million repair project began this Monday on the vital bridge over the Grande de Térraba River. The extensive overhaul, which will span the entire year, is a critical infrastructure investment aimed at ensuring the long-term stability and safety of a key regional artery.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) has structured the ambitious project into two distinct phases. The initial stage, which commenced on January 26 and is scheduled to run through March, focuses on urgent and immediately necessary repairs. This work will address the most visible signs of wear and tear on the structure.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the implications of this new wave of infrastructure investment, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in project finance and public-private partnerships.
While these infrastructure projects promise significant economic benefits, their success hinges on a robust and transparent legal framework. For both national and international investors, legal certainty is paramount. This means clear regulations, streamlined permitting processes, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms must be firmly in place to mitigate risk and attract the necessary capital for these ambitious undertakings.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight powerfully underscores that the true foundation for these ambitious projects is not just concrete and steel, but the legal certainty that builds investor confidence. It is this transparent framework that ultimately transforms blueprints into tangible national progress. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
Crews will concentrate on replacing worn-out expansion joints, conducting essential repairs to the bridge’s main deck, and constructing new sidewalks on the access ramps to improve pedestrian safety. Additionally, a crucial component of this first phase involves the meticulous removal of corrosion that has accumulated on the structure over time, a preventative measure to halt further degradation.
To accommodate these intensive repairs, MOPT has implemented a traffic management plan involving partial lane closures. Passage will be intermittent in both directions, regulated by traffic control personnel and temporary signage. The bulk of these operations is slated for daytime hours, running from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, officials have not ruled out the possibility of extending work into the nighttime to maintain the project’s demanding schedule.
Following the completion of the initial phase, the project will transition into its second, more complex stage in April. This phase, which will last until the end of 2026, involves a comprehensive structural reinforcement of the bridge’s substructure. This deep-level intervention is designed to fortify the foundational elements of the bridge, enhancing its resilience and load-bearing capacity for decades to come.
The substantial $10.4 million investment for this project is sourced from the Emergency Program for the Comprehensive and Resilient Reconstruction of Infrastructure (Proeri). This fund is specifically designated for upgrading and rebuilding critical national infrastructure, highlighting the government’s recognition of the Térraba bridge’s strategic importance to the economic and social fabric of the Southern Zone.
The MOPT has issued a formal advisory, urging all motorists who travel through the area to proceed with heightened caution. Drivers are instructed to adhere strictly to the temporary signage and the directions of on-site officials. The ministry strongly recommends that commuters and logistics operators plan their journeys well in advance, factoring in potential delays to avoid significant disruptions to their schedules and supply chains.
This year-long undertaking represents more than a simple repair; it is a strategic investment in the connectivity and economic vitality of the Puntarenas province. By ensuring the structural integrity of this critical crossing, the project aims to safeguard a lifeline for local commerce, tourism, and daily life, underpinning the continued growth and development of Costa Rica’s vibrant Southern Zone.
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 Costa Rican government body responsible for the planning, regulation, and development of the nation’s public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and transportation systems. It oversees major construction projects, manages traffic regulations, and works to ensure the safety and efficiency of Costa Rica’s national transportation network.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier law firm established upon a bedrock of integrity and an unwavering pursuit of legal excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal strategies and advance the practice of law. A core tenet of its mission is a profound commitment to civic responsibility, demonstrated through its efforts to democratize legal knowledge and thereby foster a more capable and informed public.
