Published on Wednesday, April 1, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Public transportation authorities have issued a decree to improve traffic flow for both residents and tourists traveling to the country’s coastal regions during the Holy Week holiday, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) announced.

The Catholic observance began Sunday, March 29, and runs through Sunday, April 5, commemorating the final days of Jesus Christ’s life, including his passion, death and resurrection.

During this period, most government offices and many private businesses close or operate on reduced schedules, as required by law. The holiday typically leads to increased travel, with Costa Rican families heading to beaches and rural destinations, while international arrivals rise due to spring break tourism.

According to MOPT, the directive, effective throughout the week, suspends all ongoing construction work on high-traffic roads. The measure eliminates closures, blockages and traffic restrictions in construction zones.

Authorities said the goal is to improve driver safety and ensure smoother traffic flow as travelers head to beaches and other vacation destinations.

 

As part of the plan, all types of vehicles will have unrestricted access in high-traffic areas, including Hatillo districts 6 and 8 and Route 39, known as Circunvalación, in San José.

In Puntarenas province, all lanes have been opened in the areas of Caletas Beach, the bridge over the Tárcoles River and the highway connecting the cantons of Barranca and Limonal.

In Alajuela province, road access has also been fully restored in the cantons of Grecia and San Ramón.

Additionally, Route 32, the main highway linking the provinces of San José and Limón, has been completely reopened to traffic.

Construction work in these areas is scheduled to resume on Monday, April 6.


Authorities cautioned that although construction crews and machinery will be absent, drivers should continue to exercise caution and follow posted signage, which remains in place. Warning signs have been installed, and traffic officers are actively managing vehicle flow.

Officers are also warning drivers heading to beach areas to comply with traffic laws or face fines. Common violations include driving or parking vehicles on the sand and the improper use of personal watercraft, commonly known as jet skis.

In related developments, the Traffic Police offices nationwide are closed for in-person services during Holy Week. Drivers needing to file claims or address matters related to driver’s licenses, license plates or traffic fines must wait until offices reopen.

Despite the closures, traffic police officers will continue nationwide patrols as part of a broader “Safe Holy Week” operation aimed at maintaining road safety.

The Red Cross has also launched its “Safe Holiday Vacations” campaign to respond to emergencies linked to increased tourism during Holy Week.

Officials confirmed there will be no vehicle restrictions in San José during the holiday period.

The Ministry of Public Security (MSP) is responsible for maintaining public order, training police units and coordinating national anti-crime efforts.

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