The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) has begun repair work on Route 32 after two massive landslides disrupted traffic along the country’s main highway to Limón province on the Caribbean coast.

The work will focus on two sections of the highway at kilometers 27 and 28 near the Chirripo River in Sarapiquí canton, Heredia province.

Authorities said the project aims to reduce the risk of debris (including trees, rocks and mud) falling onto the roadway.

MOPT crews and heavy machinery will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. to protect workers from potential overnight landslides.

Officials estimate that debris removal and reconstruction of the damaged roadway will take approximately three months. The highway is expected to be fully repaired by June.

To maintain traffic flow, authorities have implemented alternating one-lane traffic 24 hours a day in the construction zone. The restrictions will remain in place until the project is completed.

Warning signs have been installed, and traffic officers have been assigned to manage vehicle flow. Drivers traveling on Route 32 are urged to use extra caution while navigating the temporary traffic pattern.

The cost of the repairs is estimated at approximately $160,000 and will be covered by the MOPT budget.

Recently, Route 32 was closed for nearly two weeks due to the threat of a massive rock bigger than 7 meters and weighing more than 2 tons, which was lodged in unstable soil weakened by heavy rainfall and posed a significant safety hazard.

The Route 32 repairs are part of broader infrastructure improvements underway nationwide. Authorities have also imposed new traffic restrictions on the Tárcoles River Bridge, widely known as the “Crocodile Bridge,” along Route 34 in Puntarenas province, where crews are conducting urgent structural repairs.

MOPT oversees Costa Rica’s roads, ports, airports and public transportation systems.