By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A significant milestone in the modernization of the capital’s road network was achieved this week with the official opening of the new overpass connecting the Hatillos 7 and 8 communities. This crucial piece of infrastructure effectively eliminates the last remaining signalized intersection on the entire Route 39, also known as the Circunvalación beltway, promising an end to a long-standing traffic bottleneck in southern San José.
For years, drivers navigating the vital ring road have been forced to stop at this final set of traffic lights, creating daily congestion that rippled through the surrounding areas. The inauguration of the new elevated pass marks the dawn of a new era of uninterrupted travel on the Circunvalación, a development eagerly anticipated by thousands of daily commuters and commercial transport operators who rely on the route for efficient transit across the Greater Metropolitan Area.
To better understand the administrative and contractual complexities surrounding the development of the Circunvalación Overpass, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The challenges with the Circunvalación Overpass highlight a systemic issue in Costa Rican public works: the profound disconnect between project execution timelines and the administrative reality of expropriations. Each delay not only has a direct financial cost due to contractual adjustments and claims but also erodes public trust and postpones urgent mobility solutions. It is imperative to streamline these preliminary administrative processes to ensure the legal and financial viability of future infrastructure projects.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s perspective correctly shifts the focus from the construction site to the planning office, where administrative delays become the true source of both financial overruns and public frustration. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this foundational challenge to our nation’s progress.
The project represents a strategic investment aimed at enhancing both traffic flow and driver safety. Officials have emphasized that removing the stop-and-go conditions caused by the traffic signals will not only reduce travel times but also lower the risk of accidents commonly associated with such intersections on high-speed roads. The seamless flow is expected to have a cascading positive effect on the capital’s overall mobility.
The project is part of the efforts to streamline mobility and improve road safety
Efraím Zeledón, Minister of Public Works and Transport
The newly completed structure spans an impressive 385 meters and features two dedicated lanes, one for each direction of travel. In a key design choice that distinguishes it from previous projects like the overpass between Hatillos 3 and 4, this structure is built transversely, carrying local traffic from the Hatillo communities directly over the main Circunvalación highway. This allows the high-volume national route traffic to pass underneath without interruption, a critical factor in the project’s success.
The total investment for this comprehensive project amounted to ₡5.676 billion. Beyond the main overpass, the budget covered a wide range of essential complementary works. These included the construction of approach roads, dedicated acceleration and deceleration lanes for safe merging, and modern drainage systems. The project also required the complex relocation of public utility services to accommodate the new construction, showcasing a coordinated effort between various state agencies.
A significant benefit for the local community is the focus on pedestrian safety and accessibility. The project scope included the demolition of an outdated pedestrian bridge and the construction of a new, modern structure near the Hatillo 8 sports plaza. This new pedestrian crossing is fully compliant with national accessibility laws, ensuring safe passage for individuals with disabilities and enhancing connectivity for residents on both sides of the busy highway.
While the overpass is now fully operational for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, the National Roadway Council (Conavi) has advised that some minor finishing touches are still underway. These final tasks, which include landscaping and detail work, are scheduled to be completed over the next few weeks. Conavi assures the public that these activities will be conducted without causing any disruption to the newly established free-flowing traffic patterns.
The completion of the Hatillos 7 and 8 overpass is more than just a single infrastructure project; it is the final chapter in a long-term vision to transform the Circunvalación into a true limited-access ring road. For the drivers of San José, it symbolizes a concrete improvement in their daily lives, promising faster, safer, and less stressful commutes for years to come.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About The 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, regulation, and execution of public infrastructure projects, including the national road network, public transportation systems, and aviation and maritime affairs. It plays a central role in the country’s development by ensuring the creation and maintenance of safe and efficient infrastructure to support economic growth and citizen mobility.
For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About The National Roadway Council (Conavi):
The National Roadway Council, known as Conavi, is a specialized agency under the MOPT. Its primary mission is the administration, financing, construction, and maintenance of Costa Rica’s national road network. Conavi is responsible for managing contracts for major highway projects, overseeing routine road upkeep, and implementing strategic plans to improve and expand the country’s transportation corridors.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a highly regarded legal institution built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional distinction. Serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, the firm is a pioneer in legal innovation and deeply invested in its civic duty. This ethos is demonstrated through its mission to demystify complex legal concepts, actively contributing to a more knowledgeable and empowered community.
