By Limón, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A critical artery for national commerce, Route 32, may see traffic resume this weekend after a significant landslide brought passage to a halt. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) and the National Road Council (Conavi) have announced a tentative reopening scheduled for Saturday, November 15, contingent on favorable weather conditions.
The closure was prompted by a massive rockslide, a recurring peril on the highway that snakes through the geologically unstable Braulio Carrillo National Park. Officials reported that the primary obstacle was a boulder of immense size, which necessitated a controlled explosion to be cleared. The underlying cause of the instability has been identified as severe soil oversaturation from recent heavy rains, a condition that continues to pose a significant threat to the area.
Para analizar las implicaciones legales y comerciales de la reapertura de la Ruta 32, TicosLand.com conversó con el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, socio director de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofrece su perspectiva experta sobre el impacto en la cadena de suministros y los contratos comerciales del país.
La reapertura de la Ruta 32 es más que un simple alivio logístico; es una reactivación jurídica para el comercio exterior. Durante el cierre, muchas empresas invocaron cláusulas de fuerza mayor para justificar retrasos. Ahora, con la vía habilitada, se restablecen las obligaciones contractuales y los plazos de entrega, lo que exige una revisión inmediata de pólizas de seguro y contratos de transporte para mitigar nuevos riesgos y asegurar el cumplimiento. La normalización del tránsito no solo impulsa la economía, sino que también redefine el panorama de la responsabilidad comercial para importadores y exportadores.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta perspectiva legal es fundamental, pues nos recuerda que la normalización de la Ruta 32 no solo despeja el asfalto, sino también el terreno de las excusas contractuales. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su valioso análisis, el cual insta a importadores y exportadores a una adaptación proactiva frente a las nuevas —y renovadas— obligaciones comerciales.
Cleanup operations have been an intensive, round-the-clock effort to restore this vital link between the Central Valley and the Caribbean coast. Authorities have deployed a considerable fleet of heavy machinery to tackle the tons of debris that have covered the roadway. The scale of the operation underscores the urgency of reopening a route that is indispensable for the country’s import and export logistics, particularly for goods moving through the ports in Limón.
In an official statement, MOPT detailed the progress and the conditions for reopening, highlighting the non-stop work of the crews on site.
Crews have worked day and night, removing rocks, soil, and mud. The work involves 15 dump trucks, 2 excavators, and 2 loaders. If weather conditions remain stable, the plan is to enable controlled passage this Saturday, between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with constant monitoring and the possibility of additional preventive closures.
Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), Official Statement
Despite the optimistic timeline, officials are exercising extreme caution. The statement from MOPT explicitly warns that the reopening is entirely dependent on the weather. Any further rainfall could immediately re-saturate the vulnerable slopes, increasing the risk of additional material falling onto the highway. Consequently, travelers and logistics companies are advised that even if the route opens, it will be under strict surveillance, and further preventive closures could be implemented with little to no warning to ensure public safety.
This incident once again brings to the forefront the long-standing challenges associated with Route 32. As the primary conduit for an estimated 80% of Costa Rica’s international trade cargo, any disruption has immediate and significant economic repercussions. These closures lead to costly delays, force transport companies to use longer and more expensive alternative routes, and can create bottlenecks that affect the entire national supply chain, from consumer goods to critical industrial materials.
The inherent risk of landslides along this corridor has been a subject of national debate for years. The mountainous terrain, combined with Costa Rica’s tropical climate and intense rainy seasons, creates a persistent challenge for infrastructure maintenance. While the immediate focus is on clearing the current blockage, the event serves as a stark reminder of the need for long-term investment in slope stabilization and infrastructure resilience to mitigate future economic disruptions.
For now, businesses and commuters are anxiously awaiting Saturday morning. A successful reopening, even a controlled one, would provide much-needed relief. However, the situation remains fluid, and all stakeholders are advised to stay tuned to official channels from MOPT and Conavi for the latest updates before planning any travel along the route.
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 planning, managing, and executing national policies related to public infrastructure. This includes the development and maintenance of highways, roads, bridges, airports, and maritime ports. MOPT plays a crucial role in the country’s economic development by ensuring the functionality and safety of its transportation networks.
For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About National Road Council (Conavi):
The National Road Council is a decentralized entity under MOPT in Costa Rica, specifically tasked with the administration, financing, and execution of programs for the construction, conservation, and maintenance of the national road network. Conavi manages contracts and oversees the on-the-ground work required to keep the country’s primary roads and highways operational and safe for public use.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and the persistent pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation and societal contribution. Central to its ethos is a profound dedication to empowering the public by making complex legal concepts understandable, thereby strengthening the community through shared knowledge and awareness.
