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 The new
bridges are being built seven in Pococí, seven
in Matina, three in Guácimo and two in Siquirres.
/ Ministry of Public Works courtesy photo Construction of bridges along Route #32 is 40 percent, say authorities |
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By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
According to the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, the expansion and construction of Route #32*, between San José* and the province of Limón* on the Atlantic Coast, is 40 percent complete. The new bridges are being built seven in Pococí, seven in Matina, three in Guácimo and two in Siquirres. "Once the new constructions have been completed, the intervention of the existing bridges will be carried out, in order not to affect the traffic," said Kenneth Solano, Manager of the Executing Unit. The project also includes 13 overpasses,"the construction of one of these overpasses already started in the town of Guácimo," said the Ministry in its statement. In addition, work is being carried out simultaneously on the rehabilitation of the highway, where there is an advance of 30 percent in the sewer system, 20 percent in landfills and cuts for expansion and 15 percent in the pavement structure. In relation to the transfer of public services, 80 percent of the pipeline has been relocated and 90 percent of the electricity services have been relocated. Among other repairs will be pedestrian bridges, bikeways, and sidewalks. The road will be extended to four lanes. The initial investment in this project on route #32 is $465 million colones (about $778,154), of which $ 396 million colones (about $617,503) are financed with a loan from the Chinese bank Eximbank. As A.M. Costa Rica reported on April 24, the National Highway Council announced the regulation of the traffic on Route #32*, for the continuation of the application of thermoplastic paint on the asphalt. That work has been suspended during Holy Week, due to the increase in holiday traffic. The traffic will be regulated from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., every day for painting work on 7.5 km of the road. After the entire road is painted, folding posts will be installed to further improve the safety conditions on this route. "This will be the first time in the existence of this road, which crosses the Braulio Carrillo National Park* and which connects the capital with the Caribbean, which uses this type of paint, which is a kind of resin and can achieve a useful life up to 5 years," said the Council in its statement. Pablo Camacho, director of the council, said drivers must take into account the work schedule on the road, although wet conditions could cause jobs to start later or end before their scheduled time. As alternate routes, transit officials recommend traveling along the Vara Blanca* in the province of Heredia, Chilamate-Kopper* near to Sarapiqui community, or the route between Turrialba* in Cartago and Siquirres* in Limón. According to the Council, the investment of this demarcation work of 7.5 km road was ˘40 million colones (about $67,384). The work on Route #32 is part of the repairs along 32 kilometers between the Virilla River Bridge and the Sucio River Bridge. Another road that is being repaired is in Tibas*, two kilometers between the Catholic Church and Virilla River Bridge. Traffic officials recommend drivers who need to travel from Tibas to Heredia, use the alternate route through the industrial zone in La Uruca*. According to the Council, the repair of this 2 km cost ˘350 million colones (about $585,392) and is also financed by the National Road Council. Works on the road will be extended for at least two more weeks, so it is expected that the improved road will be reopened in May. The Traffic Police will limit access to the closed road but for short periods of time, during the high traffic hours. "We clearly understand the effects of that traffic, but these jobs are important to have a road in optimal conditions," said the Council in its statement. ------------- Do you know of bridges that need repair in your community? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com *Link to reach the place map. |
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