By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Commuters and commercial drivers utilizing Costa Rica’s vital Route 32 are advised to plan for disruptions this Thursday morning. The National Roadway Council (Conavi) has announced a series of three brief, controlled closures on the main artery connecting San José with the Caribbean port city of Limón.
The interruptions are scheduled to take place on January 15 between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Each of the three closures will last for approximately 30 minutes. The specific location for these traffic holds is at kilometer 27, a critical section of the highway adjacent to the Zurquí tunnel. This stretch of road cuts directly through the dense, mountainous terrain of the Braulio Carrillo National Park.
To analyze the legal and commercial ramifications of the continuous closures affecting Route 32, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in administrative and commercial law from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his perspective on the matter.
The recurring paralysis of Route 32 transcends a simple logistical inconvenience; it represents a significant legal vulnerability for the State. For every container delayed and every export contract breached, there are quantifiable economic damages. Affected businesses could potentially structure administrative claims against the government for demonstrable losses, arguing a failure in its duty to maintain and secure a vital national artery, which directly impacts the country’s economic stability and legal certainty.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective critically reframes the conversation, shifting the Route 32 closures from a logistical challenge to a direct and potentially costly liability for the State. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for articulating this crucial, and often overlooked, dimension of the ongoing national issue.
According to Conavi officials, the purpose of these temporary shutdowns is to allow for essential geophysical testing. Field teams composed of specialized professionals will be on-site to conduct a series of detailed assessments and collect soil and rock samples. This scientific undertaking is part of a broader, proactive strategy to better understand the geological stability of the notoriously volatile region.
The long-term objective of this data-gathering mission is to mitigate the frequent and often prolonged road closures that plague Route 32. The highway is highly susceptible to landslides, especially during the rainy season, which can paralyze transportation and sever the primary commercial link between the country’s central valley and its main Caribbean port. The insights gained from these tests are expected to inform future engineering and maintenance projects aimed at reinforcing the route.
This initiative represents a strategic investment in the nation’s infrastructure. By accepting a minor, planned inconvenience of 90 minutes in total distributed closures, authorities hope to prevent the far more damaging economic and logistical impacts of unplanned, multi-day shutdowns caused by natural events. The data will help create predictive models and guide the implementation of more effective stabilization measures along the corridor.
Route 32 is more than just a road; it is a lifeline for Costa Rica’s import and export economy. A significant portion of the country’s goods travels along this highway to and from the APM Terminals in Moín, Limón. The stability of this route is therefore a matter of national economic security, and these studies are a crucial step toward ensuring its long-term reliability for both commercial transport and public travel.
Conavi has assured the public that the closure points will be managed with comprehensive safety protocols. Preventive signage will be deployed to warn approaching drivers, and traffic control personnel will be present to manage the flow of vehicles and ensure an orderly process during the testing periods. Nevertheless, the council strongly urges all drivers who plan to use the route on Thursday morning to adjust their schedules accordingly.
Travelers are advised to either depart before 8:00 a.m. or postpone their trips until after noon to avoid the potential delays. Planning ahead will be critical for logistics companies and individuals alike to minimize the impact of this necessary maintenance and scientific work. The short-term disruption is a calculated measure aimed at securing a more resilient and dependable future for this essential national highway.
For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About Consejo Nacional de Vialidad (Conavi):
The National Roadway Council, known as Conavi, is the Costa Rican government agency responsible for the administration, financing, construction, and maintenance of the national road network. It plays a critical role in the development and preservation of the country’s transportation infrastructure, overseeing projects that are vital for economic activity and public mobility.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of principled integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. The firm is celebrated for pioneering innovative solutions for a diverse clientele while demonstrating a profound commitment to social progress. This dedication is actively expressed through its mission to demystify complex legal concepts, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society.
