Published on Monday, October 20, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) has reopened 24-hour traffic on the Tárcoles River Bridge, better known as the Crocodile Bridge, along Route 34 in Puntarenas Province, as structural repair work continues.

The bridge, a popular tourist stop where visitors often gather to watch dozens of crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks below, has long been a regional landmark and a major draw for crocodile-watching tours.

Authorities said significant progress has been made in reinforcing the bridge’s foundations to improve safety and traffic flow. To ease mobility and avoid disruptions during the peak tourist season, officials decided to reopen the bridge to both vehicles and pedestrians.

However, pedestrians are prohibited from stopping on the walkway to view crocodiles while crossing.

Officials cautioned that short closures may occur again depending on construction progress, and the public will be notified in advance.

While work continues, the maximum speed limit across the bridge is set at 18 mph (about 30 km/h). Traffic police have been deployed, and warning signs have been installed to manage vehicle flow.

Drivers heading toward the Pacific Coast are advised to expect possible delays. Tour operators are urged to prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary crossings.

MOPT engineers warned that without urgent repairs, the bridge could suffer major damage or collapse during a strong earthquake. They said immediate reinforcement is essential to prevent permanent structural failure.

Officials also recommended that motorists traveling from the cantons of Parrita, Quepos, and Garabito take extra precautions under the new traffic pattern.

The Crocodile Bridge serves as a vital economic link between San José and the Pacific coast, supporting an estimated $1.8 million in daily trade and transport activity, according to MOPT.

The $6.7 million rehabilitation project, financed through a loan from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), began in August and is expected to take about a year to complete.

The work will proceed in four phases: strengthening the bridge’s foundations, reinforcing support columns, improving soil and erosion protection, and repairing the upper structure.

The bridge repairs are part of a broader national infrastructure effort. Recently, officials also announced the reconstruction of a section of Route 1 along the Inter-American Highway near Cambronero in Alajuela Province, after a weekend landslide destroyed part of the road.

MOPT is the government agency responsible for overseeing Costa Rica’s roads, ports, airports, and public transportation systems.

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