The highway was closed after a major roadway collapse occurred on Wednesday afternoon along a two-lane section at kilometer 56 near the sports field in Coyolar, a district of Orotina canton in Alajuela Province.

The temporary passage allows controlled traffic through a single lane from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is limited to light vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks and motorcycles.

Motorists using the temporary crossing are required to reduce their speed to approximately 18 mph because work crews are continuing to install a portable prefabricated truss structure, commonly known as a Bailey bridge. The bridge will allow two-way traffic through the affected area, with one lane operating in each direction.

After 6 p.m., when the temporary passage closes, drivers traveling through Coyolar in either direction toward Alajuela or Puntarenas are advised to use National Route 757 near the old train station as an alternate route. The detour reconnects with Route 27 through Orotina before continuing toward Puntarenas.

Heavy vehicles, including tractor-trailers, cargo trucks and buses, are being directed to use alternate routes.

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

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.

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.

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 Route 27 collapse comes as Costa Rica continues work on several transportation infrastructure projects nationwide. Authorities recently announced plans for 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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