Route 27, which connects San José Province with the Pacific provinces of Puntarenas and Guanacaste, was closed May 27 after a major roadway collapse occurred on a two-lane section at kilometer 56 near the sports field in Coyolar, a district in Orotina canton, Alajuela Province.

Traffic officers have been deployed to the area, and warning signs have been installed to help manage traffic flow. Authorities continue to urge drivers to avoid the area while repair work is underway.

Last week, authorities temporarily reopened the area during daytime hours for light vehicles only, including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks and motorcycles.

Currently, light vehicles are permitted to cross the affected section at any time. Drivers are required to reduce their speed to approximately 18 mph as crews continue installing a portable prefabricated truss structure, commonly known as a Bailey bridge.

Heavy vehicles, including tractor-trailers, cargo trucks and buses, remain prohibited from using the section and are being redirected to alternate routes.

Authorities are instructing those drivers to use National Route 1, known as the Inter-American Highway, through Cambronero Canton in Alajuela Province and continue toward Puntarenas Province. Drivers may also detour through Orotina Canton to reconnect with Route 27 toward Puntarenas.

Officials expect to restore normal 24-hour traffic for all vehicle types by June 10.

The collapse occurred while Globalvía, the company that operates Route 27, was conducting work to install a new culvert. According to authorities, heavy rainfall sent a large volume of water down a hillside adjacent to the highway, destroying the drainage structure and triggering the roadway's collapse. The resulting sinkhole spans nearly the entire width of the road and is about 5 meters (16 feet) deep.

MOPT Minister Efraím Zeledón said an investigation will determine whether the government will impose a $50,000 fine on Globalvía for each day the highway remains closed.

The penalty is part of the sanctions established under the contract between the Costa Rican government and the Spanish-owned concession company responsible for Route 27’s management, maintenance, operation and toll collection.

The collapse on Route 27 comes as Costa Rica continues repair work on the Tárcoles River Bridge, widely known as the “Crocodile Bridge,” in Puntarenas Province, where crews are carrying out urgent structural improvements.

Authorities have also recently announced construction of a new bridge near Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela Province.

The MOPT oversees the country's road, port and airport infrastructure, as well as national public transportation policy.

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