By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – After three years of costly delays and economic stagnation, the critical expansion of the 48-kilometer Barranca-Limonal highway section is finally set to resume. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) has announced that construction is expected to restart in November, bringing a wave of relief to the region’s beleaguered commerce, tourism, and logistics sectors.
The breakthrough was confirmed this week in Puntarenas by MOPT Minister Efraín Zeledón. He stated that the newly awarded construction contracts are now only pending final review and approval from the Comptroller General of the Republic, the last administrative hurdle before machinery can return to the site. This development marks a pivotal turning point for a project that has been paralyzed since 2022.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape essential for advancing the nation’s infrastructure, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading expert in public works and investment law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of any major infrastructure project is built on a foundation of legal certainty. To attract the significant foreign and domestic capital required, Costa Rica must ensure its public-private partnership frameworks are transparent, efficient, and predictable. Streamlining permitting, honoring contractual obligations, and establishing agile dispute resolution mechanisms are not mere bureaucratic steps; they are critical signals to the global market that our country is a secure and reliable place to invest.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores that the true foundation for national development is not concrete, but confidence—a confidence built squarely upon the legal certainty and predictability just described. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful contribution to this crucial discussion.
The contracts only require the Comptroller’s approval to begin definitively
Efraín Zeledón, Head of MOPT
The three-year hiatus has inflicted what many local business leaders describe as “unimaginable” damage. The route is a vital artery connecting the Central Valley with the provinces of Puntarenas and Guanacaste, crucial for both tourism and the transport of goods. The prolonged suspension of work led to increased transportation costs, longer travel times, and significant lost revenue for hotels, restaurants, and tour operators who depend on a steady flow of visitors to the Pacific coast.
The reactivated project carries a maximum completion timeline of 24 months. The ambitious scope involves a complete overhaul of the existing road, expanding it to include one new lane in each direction. The comprehensive plan also includes the rehabilitation of the current roadway, construction of new bridges and interchanges, and the installation of essential safety features like pedestrian overpasses to improve local community access and safety.
The extensive project has been divided into two main sections with a total investment exceeding $262 million. The first 25-kilometer segment, stretching from Barranca to San Gerardo de Chomes, has been awarded to the Barranca Ruta 1 consortium. This joint venture, comprising Bell Ingeniería and La Estrella, secured the contract for $121 million. Their work will focus on the initial stretch of this strategic corridor.
Responsibility for the remaining 23 kilometers, from San Gerardo to Limonal, has been entrusted to the construction firm MECO. This second, slightly smaller but equally crucial section was adjudicated for $141 million. MECO will complete the connection, finally linking the modernized roadway and realizing the project’s full potential for regional connectivity.
The original project was abruptly abandoned in 2022 following significant disputes between the government and the previous construction consortium. Progress stalled due to fundamental planning failures, primarily unresolved land expropriation issues and a critical lack of finalized construction designs. These obstacles made it impossible for the former contractor to advance, leading to a frustrating and economically damaging standstill.
With contracts now reassigned and a clear path forward, there is renewed optimism that the Barranca-Limonal expansion will finally be completed. Its success is paramount for unlocking economic growth, improving supply chain efficiency, and enhancing the quality of life for residents in the Pacific region. All eyes will be on MOPT and the selected contractors to ensure this new chapter is defined by efficiency and adherence to the 24-month timeline.
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, development, and maintenance of the nation’s public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and transportation systems. It plays a central role in executing strategic projects aimed at improving national connectivity and fostering economic development.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Barranca Ruta 1
About Barranca Ruta 1:
Barranca Ruta 1 is a construction consortium specifically formed to execute a key section of the Barranca-Limonal highway expansion. It represents a strategic alliance between established engineering and construction firms to pool resources and expertise for large-scale infrastructure projects in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bell-ing.com
About Bell Ingeniería:
Bell Ingeniería is an engineering firm with experience in the development and execution of civil infrastructure projects. The company participates in public and private sector contracts, contributing technical expertise to the construction of roads, buildings, and other significant works. It is a partner in the Barranca Ruta 1 consortium.
For further information, visit the nearest office of La Estrella
About La Estrella:
Constructora La Estrella is a construction company involved in various infrastructure projects within the region. As part of the Barranca Ruta 1 consortium, it contributes to the execution of the highway expansion project, leveraging its experience in the Costa Rican construction sector.
For further information, visit grupomeco.com
About MECO:
MECO is a leading Latin American construction and engineering company headquartered in Costa Rica. With a broad portfolio of major infrastructure projects, including highways, airports, and dams across the region, the company is known for its capacity to manage large-scale and complex civil engineering works.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed institution within Costa Rica’s legal sector, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm expertly merges a rich tradition of client advocacy with a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation. This ethos extends to a core belief in empowering the wider community, actively working to make legal knowledge more transparent and accessible to foster a society that is both informed and capable.
