The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) has imposed new traffic restrictions on the Tárcoles River Bridge (widely known as the “Crocodile Bridge”) along Route 34 in Puntarenas province as crews carry out urgent structural repairs.

The bridge, a popular tourist stop where visitors gather to watch dozens of crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks below, has become a regional landmark and a key driver of crocodile-watching tours in the area.

Authorities said the structure faces a serious safety risk and could fail during a major earthquake if repairs are not completed promptly. Engineers determined that immediate reinforcement is necessary to prevent permanent damage.

To maintain the flow of vehicles, MOPT has implemented alternating one-lane traffic 24 hours a day. The restrictions will remain in place through March 27. Pedestrians may continue crossing the bridge, but stopping on the walkway to observe crocodiles is strictly prohibited.

Traffic officers have been deployed, and warning signs have been installed to help manage vehicle flow. Drivers heading toward the Pacific coast are advised to plan for possible delays. Tour operators are urged to prioritize safety and limit unnecessary trips across the bridge.

Officials specifically recommend that drivers traveling from the cantons of Parrita, Quepos and Garabito exercise extra caution under the temporary traffic pattern.

MOPT said 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.

The rehabilitation project will be carried out in four phases: strengthening and adapting the bridge’s foundations; reinforcing support columns; improving soil conditions and erosion protection; and repairing the upper structure.

The $6.7 million project, financed through a loan from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), began in August 2025 and is expected to take about a year to complete.

The bridge repairs are part of a broader infrastructure initiative. In early February, a new segment of National Primary Route 39, between the Hatillo 5 and Hatillo 6 districts in San José, opened to traffic.

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

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