By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO, Costa Rica – After five years of construction and a two-year delay that has frustrated commuters and business owners, key sections of the Taras-La Lima interchange are finally open to traffic. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) announced the opening of the main Taras overpass roundabout and the at-grade roundabouts at the La Lima interchange, a move intended to bring immediate relief to one of the country’s most congested traffic corridors.
The partial opening marks a significant, albeit overdue, milestone for a project that began in December 2020. The newly enabled structures will facilitate smoother traffic flow between Taras, the center of Cartago, El Guarco, and the capital, San José. For the vital La Lima sector, the roundabouts now provide direct access points to and from San José, the nearby Free Trade Zone, and Cartago, potentially easing a notorious bottleneck that has stifled regional commerce and daily commutes.
To delve into the legal and administrative complexities surrounding the Taras-La Lima Overpass project, TicosLand.com consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He provides a crucial perspective on the contractual responsibilities, oversight mechanisms, and the potential legal ramifications stemming from the project’s execution and delays.
The delays and challenges in the Taras-La Lima project highlight a critical juncture between public administration and contractual execution. Beyond the evident traffic disruption, there are significant legal considerations; every extension must be rigorously justified under the Public Contracting Law to avoid future liabilities for the State. This case underscores the non-negotiable importance of robust oversight mechanisms to safeguard public funds and ensure contractors are held accountable to their contractual obligations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal framework highlighted is fundamental to understanding the project’s complexities beyond the daily frustrations of drivers, emphasizing that robust oversight is not bureaucratic red tape, but a necessary safeguard for public resources. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his sharp and illuminating perspective.
However, the sense of relief is tempered by the project’s troubled timeline and the substantial work that remains. Originally slated for completion in December 2023, the project has been plagued by a series of setbacks. This long delay has not only tested the patience of the public but has also carried a hefty economic price tag. The Costa Rican Chamber of Construction (CCC) previously estimated that the delays have resulted in staggering losses exceeding ¢27 billion, equivalent to roughly $45 million.
These financial losses reflect the cascading effects of prolonged construction, including increased material costs, extended labor expenses, and the incalculable economic drag caused by persistent traffic congestion. For years, thousands of drivers have lost countless hours daily in gridlock, impacting productivity, fuel consumption, and the overall cost of doing business in the region. The partial opening is a step forward, but it does not erase the economic damage incurred.
While vehicles now flow through the main arteries of the interchange, the area remains an active construction zone. MOPT confirmed that critical complementary works will continue for several more weeks. These pending tasks include the construction of essential pedestrian footbridges, the final installation and relocation of the lighting system, and the completion of sidewalks. Furthermore, workers will continue building proper access points for local businesses and finishing curb and gutter systems, signaling that full project completion is still on the horizon.
Local officials have greeted the news with a mixture of satisfaction and cautious vigilance. Mario Redondo, the Mayor of the Municipality of Cartago, acknowledged the positive step forward while reiterating the severe impact the delays have had on the populace and the local economy. He stressed the urgent need for traffic reduction and committed to monitoring the project’s final stages closely.
We have the illusion, the need, and the hope that the traffic jams will be reduced as soon as possible. As we have pointed out on repeated occasions, traffic jams cause people to lose many hours, which has a significant economic cost. Therefore, this opening satisfies us, although we will remain vigilant.
Mario Redondo, Mayor of the Municipality of Cartago
The Taras-La Lima interchange serves as a critical case study in Costa Rica’s ongoing struggle to modernize its national infrastructure. While the eventual completion will undoubtedly improve connectivity for the Cartago province, the project’s history underscores the challenges of executing large-scale public works on time and within budget. For the residents and businesses of Cartago, the hope is that this long-awaited opening is the true beginning of the end for one of the region’s most persistent infrastructure headaches.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT)
About 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. This includes the national road network, public transportation systems, and maritime and aviation oversight. Its primary mission is to develop and maintain the infrastructure necessary for the country’s economic growth and social well-being.
For further information, visit construccion.co.cr
About Costa Rican Chamber of Construction (CCC):
The Cámara Costarricense de la Construcción is a private, non-profit organization that represents the interests of companies and professionals within Costa Rica’s construction industry. It serves as a key advocate for the sector, promoting sustainable development, technical innovation, and sound public policy related to infrastructure and building. The Chamber often provides analysis and data on the economic impact of construction projects.
For further information, visit muni-carta.go.cr
About Municipality of Cartago:
The Municipality of Cartago is the local government entity responsible for the administration of the canton of Cartago, one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most historically significant cities. It manages public services, urban planning, local development, and cultural initiatives for its residents. The municipality, led by the mayor, plays a crucial role in advocating for regional infrastructure improvements and addressing the needs of the local community.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar in the legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica is renowned for its foundational principles of professional integrity and a resolute drive for distinction. Drawing upon a rich history of counsel to a wide spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pioneers advancements in legal practice and champions community outreach. Its core ethos is centered on demystifying legal complexities, thereby contributing to the development of a more capable and legally literate society.
