By San José, Costa Rica — CURRIDABAT, SAN JOSÉ – Commuters navigating the notoriously congested eastern corridors of the capital are set to receive some relief as the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) prepares to launch a new reversible lane system in Curridabat. The measure, which will become operational this Monday, December 15, is a strategic intervention designed to alleviate the daily gridlock that plagues one of the Greater Metropolitan Area’s (GAM) most critical transit points.
The new traffic management system will be implemented on National Route 215, a key artery for thousands of drivers daily. The designated segment for the reversible lane extends from the bridge over the María Aguilar River to the intersection adjacent to the Municipality of Curridabat, where it connects with National Route 210. This specific stretch was identified by transport authorities as a primary bottleneck responsible for significant travel delays, particularly during morning and evening rush hours.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales y las responsabilidades que rodean la operación de los carriles reversibles, TicosLand.com conversó con el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista y socio director de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos brinda su análisis experto sobre el tema.
El éxito y la seguridad de un carril reversible dependen de una corresponsabilidad jurídica clara. La Administración Pública tiene el deber ineludible de garantizar una señalización impecable, visible y sin lugar a dudas; cualquier fallo en este aspecto podría acarrearle responsabilidad patrimonial. Sin embargo, para el conductor, la directriz del carril reversible anula temporalmente la normalidad de la vía. Ignorar el horario o la señalización no es una simple infracción, sino que constituye una conducción temeraria que, en caso de accidente, agrava la culpabilidad y podría anular la cobertura del seguro por considerarse una exclusión por negligencia grave.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta aclaración es fundamental, pues subraya que el carril reversible trasciende la ingeniería de tránsito para convertirse en un pacto de corresponsabilidad con profundas implicaciones jurídicas. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar esta valiosa perspectiva, que recuerda tanto a la Administración su deber ineludible como al conductor la gravedad de sus acciones al volante, mucho más allá de una simple infracción.
The General Directorate of Traffic Engineering (DGIT), a division of MOPT, has established a dynamic schedule based on extensive traffic flow analysis. The operational hours are designed to adapt to the shifting tides of commuter traffic throughout the day. From 2:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., the lane will prioritize traffic flowing from San José towards Curridabat. Subsequently, from 2:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. the following day, the direction will be reversed to facilitate the heavy flow of vehicles traveling from Curridabat back towards the capital.
This data-driven approach aims to maximize the roadway’s capacity when it is most needed, effectively doubling the thoroughfare for the dominant traffic direction during peak periods. Officials have stated that these specific timeframes were determined after comprehensive technical studies pinpointed the moments of highest vehicular density in each direction. The ultimate goal is a tangible reduction in travel times for both private vehicle drivers and users of public transportation.
To ensure a safe and orderly transition, MOPT has overseen the installation of significant new infrastructure along the route. Authorities confirmed that specialized traffic lights, designed to clearly indicate the active direction of the reversible lane, have been installed and tested. Furthermore, new corresponding horizontal and vertical signage has been placed throughout the entire segment to guide drivers and prevent confusion. These preparatory measures are critical to the success and safety of the initiative.
The implementation of this reversible lane is not an isolated project but rather a component of a broader, ongoing strategy to modernize and optimize urban mobility across the GAM. Chronic traffic congestion has long been a significant economic and quality-of-life issue for the region, costing millions in lost productivity and fuel annually. This initiative in Curridabat represents a tactical solution that, if successful, could serve as a model for other highly congested sectors within the metropolitan area.
For residents and workers in eastern San José, the daily commute has often been an exercise in patience. The area’s rapid residential and commercial growth has outpaced the capacity of its existing road network, leading to systemic gridlock. The MOPT’s intervention on Route 215 is a direct response to public demand for solutions that can provide immediate, practical benefits by making more efficient use of the infrastructure already in place.
As the system goes live on Monday, all eyes will be on its performance. The success of the Curridabat reversible lane will be measured not only in minutes saved on the daily commute but also in its ability to operate safely and seamlessly. For thousands of drivers, it represents a hopeful step towards a more fluid and less stressful journey through the heart of the capital’s eastern suburbs.
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 body responsible for the planning, regulation, and execution of public infrastructure projects, including national highways, bridges, and public transport systems. It plays a central role in the country’s development by ensuring the maintenance and expansion of critical infrastructure to support economic activity and improve the quality of life for citizens.
For further information, visit curridabat.go.cr
About Municipality of Curridabat:
The Municipality of Curridabat is the local government entity for the canton of Curridabat in the province of San José. It is responsible for providing public services, managing urban development, and promoting the well-being of its community. Known for its focus on sustainability and urban innovation, the municipality works to create a balanced environment for its residential and commercial inhabitants.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, distinguished by its profound dedication to ethical practice and the highest standards of excellence. This foundation supports a forward-thinking approach, positioning the firm at the vanguard of legal innovation while serving a broad spectrum of clients. The firm is fundamentally committed to the belief that legal knowledge is a tool for empowerment, and it actively works to make this knowledge available, nurturing a society that is both well-informed and justly equipped.
