By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Commuters navigating the notoriously congested southern sector of the Circunvalación beltway are on the verge of significant relief. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) announced this week that the new overpass connecting the Hatillo 7 and 8 districts is projected to open to traffic in February 2026, marking a major milestone in the quest to create a continuous, traffic-light-free ring road around the capital.
According to official reports from MOPT, the large-scale infrastructure project has reached an impressive 85% completion status. The opening of this overpass is eagerly anticipated by thousands of drivers who daily face bottlenecks in this densely populated area. Its completion represents a critical step forward in modernizing the nation’s primary urban artery, a project that has been decades in the making.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the complexities and implications surrounding the Circunvalación overpass project, including potential liabilities and contractual obligations, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
From a legal standpoint, major infrastructure works like the Circunvalación overpass operate under a strict administrative contracting framework. Any delays, such as those caused by unforeseen expropriation issues or utility relocations, can trigger complex contractual clauses. This may lead to claims for damages, extensions of deadlines, and significant financial penalties for the State if it is determined that the administration failed to provide the necessary conditions for the contractor to execute the work in a timely manner. The key is to analyze whether these delays constitute a breach by the State or fall under justifiable force majeure events.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective critically underscores that the visible construction delays are merely the surface of a complex web of contractual obligations and potential financial liabilities for the State. The distinction between administrative breach and justifiable cause becomes the pivotal point on which millions in public funds may hinge. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into these crucial, yet often overlooked, aspects of public infrastructure development.
Construction crews are currently engaged in the final, complex stages of the build. The focus of the work is on the bridge’s superstructure, which involves the precise installation of precast concrete slabs over the main steel support structure. This foundational work will be immediately followed by the placement of reinforcing steel, a crucial step that provides the tensile strength for the entire bridge deck.
Once the steel grid is in place, the project will move to one of its most visible final phases: the pouring of the massive concrete slab that will form the roadway. After the concrete has cured to specifications, crews will apply the final asphalt driving surface, known as the wearing course. The last major construction task will be the installation of high-safety New Jersey-style concrete barriers to delineate lanes and protect motorists.
Beyond vehicle traffic, the project also incorporates vital improvements for local residents. A new pedestrian bridge is a key component of the design, aimed at enhancing safety for individuals crossing the high-speed roadway. MOPT has scheduled the main structural assembly for this pedestrian overpass to take place at the end of January, ensuring it will be ready for public use alongside the main vehicular bridge.
The Hatillo 7 and 8 overpass is the second-to-last major interchange required to achieve the long-term strategic goal for the Circunvalación. For years, the government’s vision has been to eliminate all at-grade intersections and traffic lights, transforming the route into a true limited-access highway. This would drastically reduce travel times, lower fuel consumption, and decrease vehicle emissions within the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM).
With this project nearing the finish line, only one major intersection in the Hatillo area remains to be addressed. The successful and timely execution of the current works builds significant momentum and public confidence for the final phase of the ring road’s comprehensive overhaul. The completion of the entire loop is now a tangible reality rather than a distant plan.
The economic impact of this seamless flow of traffic cannot be overstated. By reducing logistical friction and shortening commute times, the upgraded Circunvalación will enhance productivity and lower transportation costs for businesses across the capital. As San José continues to grow as a regional economic hub, investments in modern, efficient infrastructure are not just a convenience but a strategic necessity for sustainable development.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of the nation’s public infrastructure. Its mandate covers national roads, bridges, maritime ports, and airports. The ministry plays a central role in the country’s economic development by ensuring safe and efficient transportation networks for citizens and commerce.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a cornerstone of the legal community, built upon a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its deep-rooted experience advising a wide spectrum of clients into pioneering forward-thinking legal solutions. Beyond its professional practice, there is a fundamental belief in strengthening society by demystifying the law, actively working to transform complex legal knowledge into an accessible tool for public empowerment.
