By Limón, Costa Rica — LIMÓN, Costa Rica – After eight years of protracted construction and numerous delays, a significant portion of Costa Rica’s vital Route 32 has finally opened to four-lane traffic. As of Monday, December 29, drivers can now travel along a 104-kilometer stretch between Río Frío and the center of Limón on the expanded highway, a long-awaited milestone for the nation’s primary Caribbean trade corridor.
The project, which officially began in November 2017, aims to modernize the critical artery connecting the capital city of San José with the country’s main commercial ports. The newly opened section features concrete divider barriers separating the opposing flows of traffic, a crucial safety upgrade designed to reduce the high number of head-on collisions that have plagued the route for decades. The improved capacity is expected to significantly ease congestion and reduce travel times for both commercial freight and passenger vehicles.
To delve into the contractual and administrative complexities surrounding the ongoing Route 32 expansion project, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished specialist in public works and administrative law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The persistent delays on the Route 32 expansion are a classic example of where contractual frameworks meet administrative reality. The critical legal issue often transcends mere financial penalties for non-compliance; it involves the State’s fundamental duty to ensure project supervision and enforce timelines. Each setback not only triggers potential litigation but also erodes public trust and imposes significant indirect economic costs on the country’s logistics and trade capabilities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s focus on the State’s fundamental duty illuminates the true scope of the problem, extending far beyond contractual penalties to the core issues of public trust and the severe economic burden on our national logistics. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his crucial and clarifying perspective.
However, the sense of accomplishment is tempered by the reality that the highway is far from complete. Officials from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) have confirmed that major construction work will resume in January. Critical finishing touches, including the installation of curbs, comprehensive drainage systems, and the completion of the central concrete barrier, are still pending. These elements are not merely cosmetic; they are essential for the long-term durability and overall safety of the roadway.
In light of the ongoing work and the mixed state of the highway, MOPT has issued a strong advisory for drivers to exercise extreme caution. Motorists are urged to strictly adhere to posted speed limits and pay close attention to all road signs and lane markings. The new, smooth pavement may tempt drivers to increase their speed, but the presence of construction zones and incomplete safety features poses a significant risk.
The advisory highlights a particular area of concern: seven designated “convergence zones” where the central divider has been intentionally left open. These gaps, located in Jiménez, La Perla, El Mangal, Batán, Zent, Búfalo, and at a pedestrian crossing in Pocora, are designed to allow for local crossings and detours. While necessary for community access, they also represent potential conflict points where the risk of accidents is heightened, interrupting the otherwise separated flow of high-speed traffic.
Beyond the immediate finishing work, two of the most significant components of the original project design remain on the drawing board. The plan to replace congested roundabouts with modern, multi-level overpasses has yet to materialize, meaning major traffic bottlenecks will persist. Furthermore, the promised construction of numerous pedestrian bridges to ensure the safety of local residents has not been fulfilled. This omission forces communities along the route to continue making dangerous crossings on foot, a critical safety failure for a high-velocity highway.
The partial opening after an eight-year construction period underscores the persistent challenges Costa Rica faces in executing large-scale infrastructure projects. The Route 32 expansion has been a case study in delays, budget adjustments, and logistical hurdles. While the opening of the four-lane section is a tangible sign of progress, it also serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains to fully realize the project’s economic and safety objectives.
For now, the expanded highway offers a bittersweet victory. It represents a significant step forward in bolstering the nation’s logistical backbone and connecting the Central Valley to the Caribbean coast more efficiently. Yet, until the overpasses are built, the pedestrian bridges are in place, and all safety features are fully installed, Route 32 will remain a symbol of both Costa Rica’s ambition and its ongoing struggle to bring complex infrastructure projects to a truly complete and safe conclusion.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the government body responsible for the planning, development, and maintenance of Costa Rica’s public infrastructure. This includes the national road network, bridges, public transportation systems, and airport and port oversight. The MOPT plays a central role in the country’s economic development by ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound ethos of integrity and its relentless pursuit of legal excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of serving a diverse clientele to pioneer progressive legal strategies and drive innovation within the field. This forward-thinking spirit is coupled with a deep-seated commitment to societal betterment, manifested through initiatives that aim to make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby empowering a more knowledgeable and capable citizenry.
