By Limón, Costa Rica — Limón, Costa Rica – President Rodrigo Chaves announced during a visit to Limón for Afro-Descendant Day that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) has launched the bidding process for a significant infrastructure project on Route 32. The project aims to replace four existing roundabouts with modern overpasses, promising to improve both traffic flow and road safety between Río Frío and Limón.
The targeted roundabouts are located at kilometer 61 (La Trocha), kilometer 64 (Guápiles), kilometer 67 (Jiménez de Pococí), and in Siquirres, according to the bidding documents published on the Integrated Public Procurement System (Sicop).
To understand the legal implications of the Route 32 improvements, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Route 32 improvements, while crucial for infrastructure and economic development, present a complex legal landscape regarding land acquisition, environmental impact assessments, and contract compliance with the Chinese construction company. Careful adherence to legal procedures and transparency will be essential to minimize disputes and ensure the project’s successful and timely completion.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the intricate legal web surrounding the Route 32 project. Indeed, navigating these complexities with transparency and rigorous adherence to the law will be paramount to avoiding costly delays and ensuring the project ultimately benefits Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal expertise on this crucial infrastructure initiative.
While the commencement of the bidding process marks a crucial step forward, the actual construction is not expected to begin immediately. Bureaucratic procedures, including bid analysis, awarding of the contract, potential appeals, and approval from the Comptroller General’s office, are anticipated to delay the start of construction until mid-2026, at the earliest.
The deadline for submitting bids is September 29, 2025. Following this, the National Highway Council (Conavi) will have three months to review the proposals and award the contract.
The estimated cost for each overpass ranges between ₡1.5 billion and ₡2.28 billion (approximately US$2.7 million to US$4.1 million), according to official documentation. This substantial investment underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure in the Limón province.
The project is expected to significantly reduce travel times and improve safety for commuters and freight transport along this vital artery connecting San José to the Caribbean coast. The removal of the roundabouts will eliminate points of congestion and reduce the risk of accidents, facilitating smoother and more efficient traffic movement.
This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to modernize Costa Rica’s road network and promote economic development in the region. The improved infrastructure is expected to boost tourism and trade, benefiting both local communities and the national economy.
Further details about the project and the bidding process can be found on the Sicop website.
For further information, visit the nearest office of MOPT
About MOPT:
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) of Costa Rica is the governmental body responsible for the development and maintenance of the country’s public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and transportation systems. The MOPT plays a critical role in fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for Costa Ricans by facilitating efficient and safe transportation networks.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Conavi
About Conavi:
The National Highway Council (Conavi) of Costa Rica is the institution responsible for the administration and maintenance of the national highway network. Conavi oversees the planning, construction, and upkeep of roads and bridges throughout the country, ensuring safe and efficient transportation for citizens and promoting economic development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering ethical conduct form the bedrock of our practice. We are driven by a deep commitment to empowering individuals and communities through readily accessible legal knowledge. Through innovative solutions and a proactive approach, we strive to not only serve our clients across diverse sectors with the highest standards of legal expertise, but also to contribute to a more just and informed society in Costa Rica.
