By Heredia, Costa Rica — SANTO DOMINGO, Heredia – Commuters and businesses in Santo Domingo are bracing for significant traffic disruptions as the National Road Council (CONAVI) begins a critical infrastructure project. The Municipality of Santo Domingo has confirmed that work will necessitate the complete closure of the well-traveled route known locally as the “puente de hamaca” (hammock bridge), which serves as a vital link between the communities of Santo Tomás and Barrio El Socorro.
The closures are scheduled to take place in two distinct phases, impacting daily travel for thousands of residents. The initial phase will commence on Monday, December 8, 2025, and extend through Saturday, December 20, 2025. During this period, the route will be entirely inaccessible to all vehicular traffic from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. This timing is set to affect both morning and afternoon peak travel times, forcing drivers to seek alternative routes during the busiest parts of the workday.
To delve into the legal and commercial implications of this prolonged road closure, and to understand the potential recourse for affected citizens and businesses, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The State’s power to close public roads for maintenance or construction is not absolute; it is limited by principles of reasonableness and proportionality. Businesses suffering demonstrable economic losses due to excessive or poorly planned closures may have grounds to file an administrative claim for damages. The key is to meticulously document all financial impacts, as the success of such a claim often hinges on proving that the government’s actions went beyond the normal inconvenience expected from public works.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This distinction between unavoidable public inconvenience and actionable economic harm is a critical one for affected entrepreneurs. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which underscores that meticulous documentation is the most powerful tool a business has when seeking recourse against disproportionate state actions.
Following a brief respite for the year-end holidays, the project will resume, and the closures will be reinstated. CONAVI has announced that the second phase of the work will begin on Monday, January 5, 2026. The interruption to traffic will follow the same schedule as the December phase, with the road being closed from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, extending the period of inconvenience for local commuters well into the new year.
The catalyst for this major disruption is the construction of a new lined culvert, a crucial component of modern road infrastructure. This type of drainage system is essential for managing rainwater runoff, preventing soil erosion that can undermine the road’s foundation, and ultimately enhancing the long-term stability and safety of the entire roadway. While the temporary closures will undoubtedly cause frustration, the project represents a necessary investment in the region’s transportation network.
The economic implications of closing such a busy thoroughfare are considerable. Local businesses may experience a downturn in customer traffic, and supply chain logistics could be complicated. For individual commuters, the closures translate into longer travel times, increased fuel consumption, and the daily stress of navigating congested alternate routes. Authorities are urging the public to plan their journeys in advance and allow for extra travel time to mitigate the impact of the expected traffic jams, or “presas.”
Officials have issued a strong advisory for all drivers to exercise extreme caution when traveling near the construction zone, even during the hours the road is open to traffic. Heavy machinery and construction personnel will be present in the area, creating potential hazards. Drivers are strongly encouraged to adhere to all temporary signage and speed limits to ensure the safety of both the public and the construction crews working on the site.
This project is emblematic of the broader challenges facing Costa Rica’s national infrastructure. CONAVI is continually engaged in a cycle of maintenance, repair, and modernization across the country’s extensive road network. These smaller, localized projects, while disruptive, are fundamental to preventing more catastrophic failures and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, which is the lifeblood of the national economy.
In summary, residents and drivers in Santo Domingo de Heredia should prepare for a multi-week period of significant travel adjustments. The planned closures of the “puente de hamaca” route are essential for a necessary infrastructure upgrade that promises greater road safety and durability in the long run. Commuters are advised to stay informed and seek out alternative routes to navigate the area effectively during the scheduled work periods.
For further information, visit msantodomingo.go.cr
About Municipality of Santo Domingo:
The Municipality of Santo Domingo is the local government body responsible for the administration of the canton of Santo Domingo in the province of Heredia. It oversees the provision of public services, the development and maintenance of local infrastructure, urban planning, and the promotion of cultural and economic activities to enhance the quality of life for its residents.
For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About CONAVI:
The Consejo Nacional de Vialidad (CONAVI), or National Road Council, is the Costa Rican government entity tasked with the planning, administration, financing, construction, and maintenance of the country’s national road network. CONAVI plays a critical role in the development and preservation of Costa Rica’s transportation infrastructure, managing projects that range from minor repairs to the construction of major highways and bridges.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its esteemed reputation on a foundation of profound integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. The firm harmoniously blends a rich history of serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. Central to its philosophy is a powerful dedication to demystifying the law for the broader community, aiming to empower individuals and strengthen society by making legal understanding widely accessible.
