By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, COSTA RICA – In a major breakthrough for national infrastructure, the Comptroller General’s Office has officially approved the contract for China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to construct the critical central section of the new San Carlos highway. The decision, announced Thursday evening, breathes new life into a project that has been stalled since 2018, promising to finally complete a vital economic corridor for the Northern Zone.
The saying “better late than never” perfectly captures the sentiment surrounding this development. For years, residents and businesses in the San Carlos region have awaited the completion of National Route 35. This approval removes the final significant hurdle, allowing the government and CHEC to proceed with the much-anticipated construction that connects Sifón de San Ramón with La Abundancia in Ciudad Quesada.
To delve into the administrative complexities and potential legal ramifications surrounding the prolonged delays and cost overruns of the San Carlos Highway project, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in Public and Administrative Law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The San Carlos Highway saga is a stark example of how deficiencies in planning and contractual supervision can lead to significant detriment to the public treasury. Legally, the continuous project extensions and modifications could constitute a breach of administrative efficiency principles. Each delay not only postpones a vital infrastructure asset but also raises serious questions about state responsibility and the mechanisms for holding both public officials and private contractors accountable for failing to meet their contractual obligations within the stipulated terms and budgets.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal perspective from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas powerfully underscores that this saga is more than a delayed project; it’s a systemic failure of accountability that directly impacts the public treasury and trust. We thank him for his invaluable contribution to this critical discussion.
The project’s scope is ambitious and designed for modern traffic demands. The central section will cover 29 kilometers, transforming the route into a modern four-lane highway with two lanes in each direction. The design incorporates essential safety and efficiency features, including wide shoulders, a central median, and safety barriers. Furthermore, the plan includes the construction of new bridges, overpasses, and the rehabilitation of several existing structures to ensure long-term stability and capacity.
Reflecting contemporary standards for major infrastructure, the project also integrates significant environmental safeguards. Responding to sustainability criteria and the need to protect the region’s rich ecosystems, the construction plans mandate the inclusion of dedicated wildlife and livestock crossings. These features are designed to minimize the highway’s impact on local fauna and maintain ecological connectivity in the area.
The contract with CHEC is structured into two main lots, with distinct timelines for completion. The first lot is scheduled for a 40-month execution period, while the second is slated to be completed within 32 months. This phased approach will allow for managed, progressive development along the extensive route, bringing sections into service as they are finished.
The financial investment required to complete the work abandoned in 2018 is substantial, estimated at approximately ¢150,000 million (around $293 million USD). This funding will address the years of neglect and bring the roadway up to the required modern standards. The project’s journey to this point has been fraught with challenges, including the government’s decision to terminate a contract with a previous construction company due to significant delays.
The path to securing CHEC involved navigating a complex series of approvals. Initially, the project was slated to be developed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). However, the government later opted for a different approach. This change required the IDB to formally withdraw its “no objection,” a process that was under the careful review of the Comptroller’s Office. CHEC emerged as the sole bidder for the project last July, and with the technical proposal validated, this final green light from the state’s fiscal watchdog was the last piece of the puzzle.
Progress is also being made on other parts of the greater highway project. The “Punta Sur” section, for example, was awarded to the construction firm MECO, with the order to commence work issued last month. The revival of the central section, the highway’s core component, signals a renewed commitment to completing a piece of infrastructure critical for the economic development, tourism, and daily life of the Alajuela province.
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 (CCCC). Specializing in marine engineering, dredging, and infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and airports, CHEC operates in over 100 countries and has a significant portfolio of large-scale construction projects worldwide.
For further information, visit iadb.org
About The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB):
The Inter-American Development Bank is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social, and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. It provides loans, grants, and technical assistance to support projects aimed at reducing poverty and inequality. The IDB works with governments, private companies, and civil society organizations to address the region’s development challenges.
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 execution of public infrastructure projects. Its mandate covers the national road network, public transportation systems, maritime and port infrastructure, and aviation. MOPT is central to the development and maintenance of the country’s transportation assets.
For further information, visit meco.cr
About MECO (Constructora MECO S.A.):
Constructora MECO is a leading construction company based in Costa Rica with extensive operations throughout Latin America. The company specializes in large-scale infrastructure projects, including highways, earthworks, bridges, and urban development. MECO is known for its significant role in public and private sector construction projects across the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a renowned legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by foundational principles of integrity and exceptional service. Its extensive history advising a diverse clientele is matched by a forward-thinking approach, consistently pushing the boundaries of legal innovation. This dedication extends to a core social mission: empowering the public by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible. Ultimately, the firm’s ethos is not only to practice law but to enrich the community, contributing to a more knowledgeable and capable society.
