A section of Route 27, one of Costa Rica’s busiest highways connecting San José Province with the Pacific provinces of Puntarenas and Guanacaste, was closed on Wednesday after a major road collapse, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT).

Authorities said the collapse occurred around 4 p.m. along a two-lane section at kilometer 56 near the sports field in the Coyolar District of Orotina Canton, in Alajuela Province.

Officials said the roadway failure was reportedly linked to heavy rains caused by Tropical Wave No. 5 during the country’s rainy season.

However, authorities said experts have not yet completed a technical study to determine the exact cause of the collapse.

MOPT crews were dispatched to the area to install barriers and prevent vehicles from entering the affected section of the highway. Authorities said the closure affects all traffic traveling between Puntarenas and Alajuela in both directions.

Officials are coordinating repair efforts with Globalvía, the company that operates Route 27.

“All necessary resources are being mobilized for the immediate repair of the roadway,” authorities said in a statement.

Traffic officers have been deployed to the area, and warning signs have been installed to help manage traffic flow. Authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area because the roadway remains closed.

Drivers traveling through the Coyolar District, whether heading toward Alajuela or Puntarenas, are being advised to use National Route 757 (near to the old train station) as an alternate route. The detour reconnects with Route 27 through Orotina Canton before continuing toward Puntarenas.

The road collapse comes as Costa Rica continues work on several transportation infrastructure projects across the country. Recently, authorities announced plans for a new bridge project near Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela Province.

The MOPT oversees Costa Rica’s road, port, and airport infrastructure, as well as national public transportation policy.

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