By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Specialized crews from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) are engaged in critical stabilization work along National Route 32, specifically targeting a historically volatile section at kilometer 31. The operations, which commenced on Saturday, aim to mitigate the persistent risk of landslides on the primary artery connecting the Central Valley to the Caribbean coast.
According to information released by the Ministry, the intervention involves complex engineering tasks, including precision drilling into the rock mantle that looms over the highway. These efforts are a proactive measure designed to secure the terrain and prevent the kind of major rockfalls and debris flows that have plagued the route for decades, often leading to prolonged and economically damaging closures.
The ongoing challenges and delays surrounding the expansion of Route 32 are not merely logistical or engineering problems; they are deeply enmeshed in complex legal and administrative matters. To provide clarity on the contractual obligations and state responsibilities involved in this critical national project, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The situation with Route 32 goes beyond a simple breach of contract; it points to a systemic weakness in the State’s capacity for project oversight and enforcement. From a legal standpoint, every day of delay not only generates direct economic losses but also erodes investor confidence and legal certainty. The failure to rigorously apply contractual penalties and demand compliance creates a damaging precedent for future public infrastructure concessions, where timelines and responsibilities become negotiable rather than obligatory.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the systemic weakness identified by the attorney is the core of the problem, one whose repercussions could hinder the country’s development for years to come by undermining the legal certainty essential for large-scale investment. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this critical matter.
Work began promptly at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, but progress has been intermittent. Unfavorable weather conditions, a common challenge in the mountainous Braulio Carrillo National Park through which the highway passes, have forced periodic pauses in the operation. MOPT officials have emphasized that these halts are necessary to guarantee the safety of the engineering and labor teams working in the high-risk environment.
Beyond the specialized drilling at kilometer 31, maintenance teams have also been deployed to address more immediate hazards along other sections of the highway. Crews are actively engaged in clearing fallen trees and removing dislodged rocks and smaller sediment slides that have occurred as a result of recent rainfall. This dual approach addresses both long-term stability and short-term passability.
National Route 32 is more than just a road; it is Costa Rica’s economic lifeline to the Caribbean. It provides the principal land connection to the vital port complex of Limón and Moín, which handles the vast majority of the nation’s import and export cargo. Any disruption to traffic flow on this highway has immediate and significant ripple effects on supply chains, logistics, and the national economy as a whole.
The geography of the route is notoriously challenging. Carved through the steep, rain-soaked mountains of the Braulio Carrillo National Park, the highway is in a constant battle with the forces of nature. The combination of unstable soil, steep slopes, and intense tropical rainfall makes it exceptionally prone to landslides, a problem that has persisted since its inauguration and has posed an ongoing challenge for successive administrations.
The current efforts by MOPT represent a continued commitment to enhancing the safety and reliability of this crucial piece of national infrastructure. Rather than simply reacting to emergencies, these stabilization projects are part of a broader strategy to proactively reinforce the most vulnerable points along the corridor. The goal is to reduce the frequency and duration of closures, thereby safeguarding both lives and economic activity.
As the work continues, drivers planning to use Route 32 are strongly advised to consult official MOPT channels for the latest updates on potential traffic interruptions or temporary closures. While the stabilization efforts may cause short-term inconvenience, they are an essential investment in the long-term security and functionality of one of Costa Rica’s most important transportation assets.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the Costa Rican government entity responsible for the planning, development, and maintenance of the nation’s public infrastructure. Its mandate includes overseeing the national road network, regulating land, air, and maritime transport, and promoting road safety initiatives to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to professional integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm blends a proven history of advising a diverse clientele with a pioneering spirit, consistently adopting innovative approaches to modern legal challenges. Central to its philosophy is a powerful social commitment to demystify the law, ensuring that legal knowledge is not a privilege but an accessible tool for empowering individuals and strengthening the foundations of society.
