By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Transportation authorities have implemented a reversible lane system on the vital Route 27 highway today, December 1, to manage the anticipated surge of vehicles returning to the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) following a long holiday weekend. The measure is a proactive strategy to mitigate congestion as thousands of families conclude their travels.
The influx of traffic is a direct result of the long weekend created by the national holiday celebrating Costa Rica’s Abolition of the Army Day. Many citizens and residents took advantage of the extended break to visit the popular beaches and tourist destinations along the Pacific coast, making the San José-Caldera highway the primary artery for their return journey.
To analyze the legal and contractual nuances behind the implementation of reversibility on Route 27, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While reversibility is a practical response to traffic congestion, it’s essential to analyze its execution within the framework of the concession agreement. The State must ensure that these operational changes do not constitute a unilateral alteration of the contract, as this could give rise to legitimate claims for economic rebalancing by the concessionaire, ultimately impacting public funds.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal framework highlighted is indeed a crucial element often overlooked in the public discourse about traffic management. This perspective underscores that solutions must be not only practical but also contractually sound to protect public funds from unforeseen claims. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this essential and clarifying analysis.
The operational plan, designed to enhance traffic flow towards the capital, will be in effect this afternoon. Specifically, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., all available lanes on a significant stretch of the highway will be dedicated to San José-bound traffic. This one-way flow will cover the 47-kilometer section between Pozón and the toll plaza at the Ciudad Colón interchange.
To facilitate this complex logistical maneuver, westbound traffic heading towards the Pacific will be completely closed well in advance. The closure for Caldera-bound vehicles will begin at 1:00 p.m. and last until 7:00 p.m., ensuring the route is clear for the reversal operation and its subsequent transition back to normal flow. Motorists planning to travel to the coast during this window must seek alternative routes or adjust their travel schedules.
Safety remains a paramount concern during these high-volume traffic operations. To ensure a controlled and secure environment for all drivers, the maximum permitted speed along the reversible section of Route 27 will be strictly enforced at 60 kilometers per hour. This temporary reduction from the highway’s standard speed limit is crucial for preventing accidents in the unique, unidirectional traffic configuration.
The use of reversible lanes is a well-established traffic management tool in Costa Rica, frequently employed during peak travel periods that coincide with major holidays and national celebrations. The strategy addresses the predictable, tidal nature of traffic, where the vast majority of vehicles are moving in a single direction, either leaving the Central Valley at the start of a holiday or returning at its conclusion.
This operational response underscores the critical role of Route 27 as an economic and social corridor linking the country’s most populous region with the Pacific coast’s hubs of tourism and commerce. Efficiently managing traffic on this highway is essential not only for traveler convenience but also for ensuring the smooth functioning of the tourism sector, a cornerstone of the national economy.
As the afternoon progresses, drivers returning to San José are advised to remain patient, adhere to the temporary 60 km/h speed limit, and follow all instructions from traffic police officials stationed along the route. Planning for potential delays, even with the reversible lanes in place, is recommended as authorities work to accommodate the heavy volume of returning vacationers safely and efficiently.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, built upon a bedrock of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm merges a rich history of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. This pioneering spirit extends to its civic mission of empowering the public through accessible legal education, reflecting a profound dedication to fostering a society where knowledge and justice are available to all.
