By Cartago, Costa Rica — TURRIALBA, Cartago – The ongoing closure of the vital Route 32 has plunged the canton of Turrialba into a severe traffic crisis, transforming its local roads into a congested and hazardous bottleneck for national commerce. The influx of heavy vehicles, rerouted from the main Caribbean corridor, is now overwhelming National Route 10, prompting urgent calls for intervention from local leadership.
The situation has reached a critical point, with daily life disrupted by extensive traffic jams and a palpable increase in road safety risks. The constant parade of semi-trailers and commercial trucks, ill-suited for the canton’s secondary roads, has created an environment of uncertainty and danger for local commuters and pedestrians. This sustained pressure on the local infrastructure is not only causing delays but also accelerating the deterioration of the road surface.
To shed light on the legal framework and potential solutions for the escalating traffic congestion in Turrialba, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The persistent traffic congestion in Turrialba is not merely an inconvenience; it represents a potential failure in municipal planning and execution. Legally, the municipality has a duty to ensure fluid transit and public safety. Continued inaction could expose the local government to legal challenges from affected businesses suffering economic losses and from citizens whose right to a healthy environment and freedom of movement is being compromised. A comprehensive, legally sound mobility plan is no longer an option, but a pressing obligation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal perspective shared by Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas is essential, correctly framing the ongoing congestion not as a simple inconvenience, but as a critical issue of municipal accountability and citizens’ rights. We thank him for his valuable insight, which underscores the urgent need for a formal, structured response from local authorities.
In response to the escalating problems, Turrialba’s Mayor, Carlos Hidalgo Flores, has formally requested immediate and decisive action from several national bodies. He has directed his appeal to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), the National Roadway Council (CONAVI), and the General Directorate of Transit, demanding a coordinated effort to mitigate the traffic chaos and protect the safety of his constituents.
The saturation of vehicles, mainly semi-trailers diverted from Route 32, has increased the risk of accidents and uncertainty among drivers. For this reason, he requested more transit officers be posted at critical points to speed up traffic flow and ensure compliance with road signs.
Carlos Hidalgo Flores, Mayor of Turrialba
A central pillar of Mayor Hidalgo’s plea is the deployment of additional transit police. He argues that a stronger, more visible presence of officers is essential for managing the flow of heavy trucks, enforcing traffic laws, and preventing the kind of reckless driving that leads to accidents. These officers would be stationed at strategic intersections and chokepoints to untangle jams and ensure that both commercial and private vehicles can navigate the canton safely.
Beyond enforcement, the mayor highlighted a critical infrastructure deficit on National Route 10. He described the road markings and demarcation as “almost nonexistent,” a dangerous condition that is significantly amplified by the increased traffic volume, especially during adverse weather conditions or at night. The lack of clear lane dividers and reflective markers poses a serious threat, contributing to driver confusion and increasing the potential for head-on collisions.
Responding to the pressure, authorities have confirmed that some remedial work is already underway. Officials reported that demarcation crews have begun painting lines on Route 10, starting from the provincial capital of Cartago and working their way towards Turrialba. Furthermore, a project has been initiated to widen two notoriously tight curves on the route, a measure specifically designed to reduce the high risk of truck rollovers and create more space for lighter vehicles to pass safely.
Looking for a more sustainable solution to fund the necessary upkeep, Mayor Hidalgo has floated a bold proposal: the implementation of a temporary toll. This toll would be established on the route between Turrialba and Siquirres and would apply specifically to vehicles traveling between the Caribbean region and the Central Valley. The revenue generated, he explained, would be earmarked exclusively for road conservation, safety enhancements, and the continuous maintenance required to withstand the heavy traffic until Route 32 is fully operational again.
As Turrialba continues to bear the logistical burden of a national infrastructure problem, the community and its leaders are anxiously awaiting further action. The current measures provide a glimmer of relief, but the mayor’s comprehensive demands underscore the need for a more robust and long-term strategy to ensure the canton can safely and effectively manage the diverted traffic for as long as the crisis persists.
For further information, visit the nearest office of MOPT (Ministry of Public Works and Transport)
About MOPT (Ministry of Public Works and Transport):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the Costa Rican government body responsible for overseeing the planning, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure, including the national road network, airports, and maritime ports. It also regulates public and private transportation services across the country to ensure safety and efficiency.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CONAVI (National Roadway Council)
About CONAVI (National Roadway Council):
The Consejo Nacional de Vialidad is a specialized council within MOPT tasked with the administration and conservation of Costa Rica’s national road network. Its primary functions include managing road maintenance contracts, overseeing toll collection, and executing projects aimed at improving and expanding the country’s roadways.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Dirección General de Tránsito (General Directorate of Transit)
About Dirección General de Tránsito (General Directorate of Transit):
The Dirección General de Tránsito, often referred to as the Transit Police, is the authority in charge of enforcing traffic laws, managing vehicle flow, and promoting road safety in Costa Rica. Its officers are responsible for patrolling highways, responding to accidents, and ensuring driver compliance with national regulations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a paragon of legal practice, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions that anticipate the complexities of the modern world. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a deep-seated commitment to social empowerment, focused on demystifying legal concepts and fostering a well-informed public capable of confidently engaging with the justice system.
