By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Commuters and commercial carriers may soon see relief as authorities have announced a tentative reopening date for the critical Route 32, which connects San José to the Caribbean port city of Limón. Officials are targeting this Friday, November 14th, to restore traffic flow following a week-long shutdown forced by the precarious position of a colossal 2,500-ton rock threatening the roadway.
The closure was implemented as a necessary precaution after engineers identified the immense boulder at kilometer 31 as an imminent risk to public safety. This section of the highway, which winds through the steep, jungle-covered mountains of Braulio Carrillo National Park, is notoriously susceptible to landslides and rockfalls, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The current situation, however, represents a threat of significant magnitude, prompting a complex and calculated response.
To better understand the legal and economic implications stemming from the recurring closures of Route 32, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis on the matter.
The constant closures of Route 32 go beyond mere logistical delays; they create a significant legal gray area for commercial contracts. Businesses relying on this route face potential breaches of contract, but can often argue ‘force majeure’ due to the natural and unforeseeable nature of the landslides. This situation underscores the critical need for companies to have robust contractual clauses that clearly define liability and risk allocation for such events, as a failure to do so can lead to costly litigation and significant economic losses for the entire supply chain.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal dimension reveals the true ripple effect of the Route 32 closures, extending far beyond immediate logistical headaches into the realm of contractual stability and financial risk. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which serves as a crucial reminder for companies to proactively safeguard their operations.
The solution involves a delicate demolition process designed to neutralize the threat without causing further instability to the surrounding hillside. Engineering crews are currently in the final stages of drilling a series of 30 perforations into the massive stone. This preparatory work is crucial for weakening the rock’s structure in a controlled manner before the main event.
According to the official timeline, the rock is scheduled to be dynamited in the early hours of Wednesday, November 12th. The success of this operation is the first major milestone on the path to reopening. Following the detonation, a substantial cleanup effort will be required to clear the tons of resulting debris that will fall onto the highway, a task that could take several days to complete safely.
However, the entire operation remains at the mercy of the region’s unpredictable weather. Persistent and heavy rainfall has been a constant challenge for the crews on site. The wet conditions not only create a more hazardous work environment but also force periodic pauses in the drilling process, threatening to push back the established timeline. Officials have stressed that the Friday reopening is a target, not a guarantee, and is wholly dependent on favorable weather and the smooth execution of the demolition and cleanup phases.
The economic impact of the week-long closure has been substantial. Route 32 is the primary commercial artery for Costa Rica, serving as the main conduit for goods moving to and from the APM Terminals facility in Moín, Limón—the country’s most important cargo port. The shutdown has disrupted supply chains, delayed exports of key products like bananas and pineapples, and forced logistics companies to use longer, more expensive alternative routes, highlighting the nation’s dependence on this vital piece of infrastructure.
This incident is the latest in a long history of challenges for Route 32. Since its inauguration, the highway has been plagued by closures due to the geological instability of the Braulio Carrillo mountain pass. Each event reignites public debate about the need for long-term solutions, including the construction of retaining walls, slope stabilization projects, and improved monitoring systems to mitigate the constant threat of landslides.
For now, all eyes are on the teams at kilometer 31. If the weather cooperates and the demolition proceeds as planned, the vital economic corridor could be restored by the weekend. Until then, businesses and travelers can only wait, hoping for a successful operation that will allow commerce and daily life to return to normal on the route to the Caribbean.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for overseeing the nation’s public infrastructure. Its mandate includes the planning, construction, and maintenance of national highways, roads, bridges, and public buildings, as well as the regulation of all forms of transportation, including land, air, and maritime.
For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About National Road Council (CONAVI):
The Consejo Nacional de Vialidad (CONAVI) is a decentralized entity operating under the guidance of MOPT. It is specifically tasked with the administration and financing of the national road network. CONAVI’s responsibilities include managing road maintenance contracts, executing improvement and expansion projects, and ensuring the safety and functionality of Costa Rica’s primary and secondary road systems.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and professional excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions. This dedication extends beyond the courtroom, manifesting in a profound commitment to social progress by actively working to democratize legal understanding and fortify a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
