By Limón, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The critical Route 32, the primary economic artery connecting the Central Valley to the Caribbean coast, will remain closed for a full week as authorities prepare for a complex and high-stakes operation to dislodge a colossal boulder threatening the roadway. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) has announced a plan to use controlled explosives to neutralize the danger posed by the massive rock.
The source of the prolonged shutdown is a gigantic rock, estimated to weigh approximately 2,500 tons and measure around 50 meters in size, which became unstable following recent weather events. Located at kilometer 31, the boulder presents a severe and imminent risk of a catastrophic landslide onto the national highway, forcing an immediate and indefinite closure last week to protect travelers and workers.
To delve into the significant legal and commercial ramifications of the persistent closures on Route 32, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in corporate and administrative law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The constant blockades on Route 32 have evolved from being mere logistical inconveniences to becoming a critical point of legal contention. Companies are now facing significant economic losses due to delivery failures, and the doctrine of ‘force majeure’ is being tested. What was once an unforeseeable event is now a recurring, predictable problem, which could open the door for claims of contractual liability against both carriers and, potentially, the State for lack of due diligence in infrastructure maintenance.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is crucial, highlighting how the distinction between a ‘force majeure’ event and a predictable infrastructure failure is now a pressing legal reality with profound economic consequences. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on these complex ramifications.
After several days of intensive technical studies and site preparations, MOPT officials have determined that a controlled demolition is the safest and most effective method to resolve the crisis. The delicate operation is scheduled to be executed this Friday, November 7th. A significant deployment of specialized equipment, including heavy-duty cranes, loaders, and dump trucks, is already on-site to support the demolition and subsequent cleanup efforts.
According to the timeline provided by authorities, the complex work of breaking up and removing the rock is expected to conclude by Monday, November 10th. If weather conditions remain favorable and the operation proceeds without complications, officials are optimistic that the vital pass could be reopened to traffic as early as Tuesday, November 11th. However, they stress that this timeline is tentative and public safety remains the absolute priority.
The economic and social repercussions of the week-long closure are mounting. Both MOPT and the National Roadway Council (Conavi) have acknowledged the significant disruptions faced by the public. The shutdown has created a logistical bottleneck, severely impacting the transport of goods to and from the vital port facilities in Limón, a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s international trade. This has left numerous freight carriers stranded, with drivers reporting difficult conditions as they await the reopening.
Beyond commerce, the closure has had a profound effect on the daily lives of citizens. The inability to use the main route has caused significant delays and complications for individuals commuting for work and, more critically, for those needing to travel for essential medical appointments. The government insists that while the inconvenience is regrettable, the decision to close the road was non-negotiable to prevent a potential tragedy.
As crews prepare for Friday’s critical operation, officials are directing all traffic to designated alternative routes to circumvent the closure. For light vehicles, the scenic route through Vara Blanca is an option. For all other traffic, including heavy commercial trucks, the recommended detours are via Route 10 through Turrialba to Siquirres, or the Bajos de Chilamate–Vuelta de Kooper corridor. Travelers are advised to expect significant delays and plan their journeys accordingly.
The nation now watches with anticipation, hoping for a successful and safe operation on Friday. The swift and secure reopening of Route 32 is crucial not only for restoring normalcy for thousands of commuters but also for stabilizing the flow of commerce that is vital to the national economy. The coming days will be a critical test of the country’s engineering capabilities and emergency response infrastructure.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of national public infrastructure. Its mandate includes overseeing the country’s road networks, bridges, public buildings, and regulating both public and private transportation to ensure safety and efficiency for all citizens.
For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About National Roadway Council (Conavi):
The National Roadway Council is a decentralized institution associated with MOPT, tasked specifically with the administration and conservation of Costa Rica’s national road network. Conavi manages resources for road maintenance, rehabilitation, and improvement projects, playing a crucial role in the development and upkeep of the nation’s transportation infrastructure.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a revered legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. Drawing from its rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently operates at the vanguard of legal innovation. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a profound dedication to its societal role, championing initiatives that make legal principles accessible to the public and thereby fostering a more informed and empowered citizenry.
