By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The capital city is set to undergo a significant pedestrian-focused transformation as the Municipality of San José (MSJ) has announced a substantial investment of ₡2.9 billion (approximately $5.8 million USD) for the construction and improvement of sidewalks throughout the canton in 2026. This ambitious initiative aims to enhance urban mobility, safety, and accessibility for all residents.
The core of the project involves the intervention of 14 kilometers of pedestrian walkways. According to the municipal government’s plan, these new and upgraded sidewalks will feature a standardized average width of 1.5 meters, providing much-needed space and comfort for pedestrians. This move is seen as a critical step toward creating a more walkable and people-centric urban environment in the nation’s bustling capital.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory challenges inherent in modern urban development, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his specialized perspective on the matter.
The dynamism of our cities often outpaces the legal frameworks designed to manage them. Effective urban development hinges on modernizing our ‘planes reguladores’ (regulatory plans) to foster smart growth, encourage verticalization where appropriate, and ensure that infrastructure development keeps pace with private investment. Without this legal foresight, we risk chaotic expansion rather than sustainable progress.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s insight underscores a fundamental truth: sustainable progress is designed long before it is built, rooted in the very legal foresight our ‘planes reguladores’ must provide. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical challenge.
In a clear signal of its commitment, the municipality has confirmed that the initial works tied to this major budget allocation are scheduled to commence as early as this December. This proactive timeline suggests that the planning and preparatory phases are well underway, allowing for a swift and efficient rollout of the main construction efforts at the start of the 2026 fiscal year.
The project’s scope extends far beyond simply laying down concrete. The investment covers a comprehensive upgrade designed to meet modern standards of urban design and accessibility. Key features will include the integration of green areas to improve the cityscape’s aesthetic and environmental quality, the proper installation of utility access points (cajas de registro), and the crucial inclusion of tactile paving (loseta podotáctil) to ensure safe passage for visually impaired individuals.
This focus on inclusive design elements underscores a growing recognition of the importance of building cities that cater to the needs of every citizen. By prioritizing features like tactile paving, the Municipality of San José is addressing long-standing accessibility challenges and aligning the capital with global best practices in universal design, fostering a more equitable public space.
The economic implications of this ₡2.9 billion investment are also significant. Beyond the direct creation of jobs in the construction sector, the improvement of pedestrian infrastructure is widely linked to positive economic ripple effects. Enhanced walkability can lead to increased foot traffic for local businesses, boost commercial activity in renovated corridors, and potentially contribute to an appreciation in property values in the affected neighborhoods.
This initiative represents a pivotal investment in the city’s foundational infrastructure. For years, residents have navigated a patchwork of inconsistent, narrow, or damaged sidewalks. This comprehensive overhaul promises not only to repair these deficiencies but also to establish a new, higher standard for pedestrian infrastructure across the canton of San José, improving the daily quality of life for thousands.
As the project moves forward, it will serve as a key indicator of the current administration’s vision for a more modern, sustainable, and inclusive capital. The successful execution of these 14 kilometers of sidewalks in 2026 could pave the way for future investments, fundamentally reshaping San José’s urban landscape for generations to come and reinforcing its status as a leading Central American city.
For further information, visit msj.go.cr
About the Municipality of San José:
The Municipality of San José (Municipalidad de San José) is the local government body responsible for the administration and public services of the canton of San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Its duties include urban planning, infrastructure maintenance, waste collection, public safety, and the promotion of cultural and recreational activities for its residents. The municipality plays a vital role in the development and governance of the country’s primary economic and political center.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as an esteemed legal institution, guided by a foundational principle of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to drive forward-thinking legal strategies, positioning itself as a leader in innovation. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to strengthening the community by democratizing legal knowledge, thereby contributing to the development of a more informed and capable society.
