The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) announced that regular traffic will resume tomorrow, on Saturday, March 7, at 7 a.m. on the Tárcoles River Bridge (widely known as the Crocodile Bridge) along Route 34 in Puntarenas province, even as structural repairs continue.

The reopening restores 24-hour traffic in both lanes of the bridge, a key connection between the Central Valley and the Pacific coast.

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

Authorities said crews have made significant progress reinforcing the bridge’s foundations to improve safety and traffic flow. To maintain mobility and avoid disruptions during the peak tourism season (typically December through May), officials decided to reopen both lanes to all types of vehicles.

However, pedestrians will not be allowed to stop on the bridge’s walkway to observe crocodiles while crossing.

 

Officials cautioned that temporary closures may occur again depending on construction progress. Authorities said the public will be notified in advance if traffic restrictions are required.


While work continues, the maximum speed limit on the bridge will remain 18 mph (about 30 km/h). Traffic police have been deployed and warning signs installed to help regulate vehicle flow.


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


Officials also recommended that motorists traveling from the cantons of Parrita, Quepos and Garabito exercise extra caution under the revised traffic pattern.

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

The Crocodile Bridge is a vital economic link between San José and the Pacific coast, supporting an estimated $1.8 million in daily trade and transportation 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 2025 and is expected to be completed in August 2026.

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

The repairs are part of a broader national infrastructure effort. Earlier this week, public transport authorities began work on Route 32 after two massive landslides disrupted traffic along the country’s main highway to Limón province on the Caribbean coast.

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

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