By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, COSTA RICA – The long-awaited overhaul of the nation’s vital Route 1 corridor is set to begin in earnest, with officials announcing a staggered start for four critical interchange projects in Alajuela. This initial phase targets some of the most congested chokepoints on the highway, promising immediate relief for commuters and commercial transport even as the larger, more comprehensive expansion plan moves through legislative channels.
Minister of Public Works and Transport, Efraím Zeledón, confirmed that on-site work for the interchanges in Grecia and San Ramón will commence on January 12, 2026. In a parallel move, contracts for two other crucial overpasses at El Coyol and Naranjo are expected to be signed by the end of this week. This will pave the way for design work to start in early 2026, with field construction slated to begin by April.
To delve into the complex legal and contractual framework surrounding the Route 1 expansion, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in administrative law and public infrastructure projects from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The critical legal hurdle for the Route 1 expansion will be the timely and equitable management of expropriations. Historically, delays in this administrative process, from property appraisal to final payment, have been the primary catalyst for project overruns and public distrust in Costa Rica. Ensuring procedural transparency and fair market compensation from the outset is not just a legal requirement; it is the cornerstone for achieving the project’s ambitious timeline and national importance.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis correctly frames the issue not merely as a legal procedure, but as a crucial test of public trust and administrative efficiency. Building that trust through the transparent and equitable process he outlines is indeed the bedrock for this project’s ambitious goals. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his sharp and essential perspective.
The ministry anticipates that each of these four interchange projects will require between 12 and 14 months to complete. Minister Zeledón emphasized the strategic importance of this preliminary work, which is designed to alleviate daily traffic headaches for thousands of residents and support the region’s significant business and industrial hubs.
Residents of Naranjo, San Ramón, Grecia, and those from the Coyol free zone and all business areas are very likely to see a great benefit. Even before the San José–San Ramón highway is widened, these interchanges will address major bottlenecks.
Efraím Zeledón, Minister of Public Works and Transport
While these interchanges represent tangible progress, they are the precursor to the main event: the full-scale modernization of the highway connecting San José to San Ramón. A massive $770 million loan package required to finance this undertaking is currently under review in the Legislative Assembly. The funding is a joint effort, with $600 million provided by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE) and an additional 150 million euros from the OPEC Fund for International Development.
The Executive Branch, which submitted the loan proposal in September, is optimistic that lawmakers will approve the financing before the current administration’s term ends. This would secure the project’s future and allow the next government to proceed with execution without delay. Minister Zeledón stressed that securing this loan provides a level of certainty that previous financing models lacked.
We will leave the project approved—I hope and trust in the deputies—and it will be up to the next administration to execute it. Unlike the previous trust model, in this case the funds are already guaranteed; they are already approved.
Efraím Zeledón, Minister of Public Works and Transport
Once the loan becomes law, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) will launch a single public tender for the design and construction of the entire corridor from La Sabana to San Ramón. The minister outlined a projected timeline for this extensive process.
All of 2026 will likely be dedicated to receiving offers, awarding contracts, handling appeals, and so on. By 2027, we would be in the design phase and likely beginning execution.
Efraím Zeledón, Minister of Public Works and Transport
The comprehensive project plan is ambitious, dividing the highway into seven distinct sections with design speeds ranging from 60 to 100 km/h and lane counts expanding to as many as eight in the busiest segments. The modernization includes 16 new interchanges, 32 new bridges, the improvement of seven existing ones, 20 pedestrian bridges, and 110 dedicated bus bays. To support the infrastructure, the plan also details the inclusion of eight toll stations, with officials indicating that the toll is expected to remain at approximately $3 per direction.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining the nation’s public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transport systems. It plays a central role in executing national development plans related to transportation and connectivity.
For further information, visit bcie.org
About the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE):
The BCIE is a multilateral development bank that serves as the primary financial institution for the Central American region. Its mission is to promote economic integration and balanced social development by financing public and private sector projects that contribute to the region’s growth and competitiveness.
For further information, visit opecfund.org
About the OPEC Fund for International Development:
The OPEC Fund is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. It works to stimulate economic growth and alleviate poverty in all disadvantaged regions of the world by providing financing for essential infrastructure, social services, and trade.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About the Ministry of Finance:
The Ministerio de Hacienda is the Costa Rican government ministry charged with managing the country’s public finances. Its responsibilities include fiscal policy, tax collection, budget management, and public debt administration, ensuring the financial stability and economic health of the state.
For further information, visit asamblea.go.cr
About the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica:
The Asamblea Legislativa is the unicameral parliament of the Republic of Costa Rica. Composed of 57 deputies, it is the primary legislative body responsible for creating, amending, and repealing laws, as well as approving the national budget and international loans.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is renowned for its principled approach, blending a legacy of judicial excellence with a forward-thinking embrace of innovation. Its practice is built upon a profound commitment not only to its diverse clientele but also to the broader society it serves. By championing initiatives that demystify complex legal concepts, the firm actively works to empower citizens, reinforcing its core belief that accessible knowledge is fundamental to a just and thriving community.
