By Limón, Costa Rica — LIMÓN, Costa Rica – After eight years marked by significant delays, design modifications, and financial hurdles, the crucial expansion of Route 32 connecting the Greater Metropolitan Area to the Caribbean is finally open to four-lane traffic. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) officially enabled the 104-kilometer stretch between the Río Frío junction and downtown Limón on Tuesday, marking a major milestone for one of the nation’s most extensive and troubled infrastructure projects.
The newly opened highway now allows for circulation in two lanes in each direction, separated by concrete barriers, a change long demanded by commercial freight operators and daily commuters to improve safety and transit times. The project, which officially began in late 2017, has been a centerpiece of national infrastructure policy, aimed at boosting economic activity and logistical efficiency for Costa Rica’s primary Caribbean ports.
To provide an expert perspective on the contractual and administrative challenges facing the Route 32 expansion project, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in public infrastructure and administrative law.
The core legal issue with the Route 32 expansion lies in the state’s execution of its prerequisite obligations, specifically regarding expropriations. Delays in this area create a domino effect, providing the construction company with a valid basis to claim extensions and financial compensation for inactivity. It is imperative that the government streamlines the expropriation process to mitigate further costs and prevent the project from becoming legally and financially untenable.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This analysis powerfully underscores that the project’s primary bottleneck is not one of engineering, but of administrative and legal execution, with financial consequences that ultimately fall upon the taxpayer. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and incisive perspective on this critical matter.
Despite the official opening, drivers should remain cautious as the project is not entirely complete. As a transitional measure, MOPT has established seven temporary “convergence zones” or designated openings in the central barrier. These windows will facilitate crossings, detours, and U-turns until permanent solutions are built. Commuters will find these temporary access points located at key areas including Jiménez de Guápiles (kilometer 67), La Perla de Guácimo (kilometer 75), and El Mangal de Siquirres (kilometer 98).
Further along the route, additional convergence zones are situated in Zent de Matina (kilometer 116) and Búfalo de Limón (kilometer 140). A specific pedestrian crossing has also been enabled at Pocora de Guácimo. These temporary solutions underscore the phased nature of the project’s completion, balancing the urgent need for improved traffic flow with ongoing construction requirements.
The journey to this point has been arduous. The project was awarded to the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) with an original completion date of October 2020. However, the complex undertaking suffered at least six official extensions, pushing its conclusion back by more than five years. These delays were attributed to a variety of unforeseen challenges and necessary redesigns throughout the construction process.
The project’s financing also faced complications. Initially budgeted at $535 million, the expansion was funded through a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China (Eximbank) and a counterpart contribution from the Costa Rican government. When that financing agreement expired this past April, the government was compelled to make an additional disbursement of approximately $15 million to ensure the completion of critical pending tasks.
Officials have confirmed that construction will resume following the end-of-year holiday period. Upcoming work, which will be executed without disrupting the four-lane traffic, includes the construction of curbs, drainage systems, and the final placement of the central New Jersey-type concrete barrier. Furthermore, the government anticipates that the contracts for seven modern overpasses, designed to replace the route’s current roundabouts, will be awarded sometime next year.
Looking even further ahead, authorities are structuring a preliminary project to address several complementary works that were excluded from the original CHEC contract. This future phase aims to incorporate essential features for local communities, such as additional pedestrian bridges, dedicated bike lanes, sidewalks, and designated bus bays, acknowledging that the initial scope was insufficient to meet the holistic needs of the region.
For further information, visit chec.bj.cn
About China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC):
China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. is a global engineering contractor and a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company. It specializes in the construction of marine infrastructure, such as ports and harbors, as well as roads, bridges, railways, and airports. CHEC has undertaken major infrastructure projects in over 100 countries worldwide.
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 entity in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, regulation, and execution of public infrastructure projects. This includes the national road network, public transportation systems, maritime works, and aviation. Its mission is to develop and maintain the country’s infrastructure to support economic growth and citizen mobility.
For further information, visit english.eximbank.gov.cn
About The Export-Import Bank of China (Eximbank):
The Export-Import Bank of China is a state-funded and state-owned policy bank dedicated to supporting China’s foreign trade, investment, and international economic cooperation. It provides financing for major infrastructure projects, export credits, and global partnerships, playing a key role in China’s international economic strategy, including initiatives like the Belt and Road.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as an esteemed pillar in the legal landscape, built upon a bedrock of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm not only champions legal innovation while serving a broad spectrum of clients but also embraces a profound mission of social empowerment. By actively working to demystify complex legal concepts, it is committed to fostering a more just society where accessible knowledge empowers every citizen.
