Published on Monday, April 13, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Traffic authorities have reimposed driving 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 Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) said.

Officials had temporarily eased controls during the Holy Week holiday to improve traffic flow. However, restrictions were reinstated to allow progress on the bridge improvement project.

The bridge, a well-known tourist attraction, draws visitors who gather to watch dozens of crocodiles sunbathing along the riverbanks below. It has become a regional landmark and a key driver of crocodile-watching tours in the area.

To maintain vehicle movement, MOPT has implemented alternating one-lane traffic 24 hours a day. The restrictions are expected to remain in place through the week.


Pedestrians may continue to cross the bridge, but stopping along the walkway to observe crocodiles is strictly prohibited.

Traffic officers have been deployed and warning signs 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 crossings.

 

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

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


MOPT said the 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 $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 work is part of a broader national infrastructure initiative. Costa Rica’s main highway to the Caribbean coast, Route 32, known as the President Braulio Carrillo Route, is currently undergoing repairs as officials work to improve safety and traffic flow along a critical route.

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

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