The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) has announced that the contraflow reversible lane on Route 27, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, will be activated on Sunday, April 13 and Sunday, April 20 to ease traffic congestion during the Holy Week holiday period.

Route 27 is one of the country’s busiest highways, connecting the capital region with the Pacific provinces of Puntarenas and Guanacaste. Each year, thousands of Costa Ricans travel to the coast for Holy Week, creating significant traffic on the return to San José.

To improve traffic flow, officials will implement a temporary lane reversal for eastbound traffic returning from the coast. The contraflow will be active between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., allowing all available lanes between the Pozon toll station in Alajuela Province and the Ciudad Colón toll station in San José Province to flow toward the capital.

Closures will begin one hour prior, at 1 p.m., and continue one hour after, ending at 7 p.m. The maximum speed limit during the contraflow is set at 37 mph.

Drivers traveling westbound, from San José toward the coast, during the contraflow hours will be required to use one of the following alternate routes:

• Route 1: From Río Segundo Canton in Alajuela to  Esparza Canton in Puntarenas, where drivers can rejoin Route 27.

• Route 3: Through the cantons of Atenas to Orotina in Alajuela, reconnecting with Route 27 in Puntarenas.

• Route 239: From Ciudad Colón District in San José to La Palma District, in the Parrita canton of Puntarenas.

Authorities advise drivers to plan ahead, remain alert to contraflow schedules, and drive with caution.

For real-time traffic updates or roadside assistance, travelers may contact Globalvia, the company managing Route 27, at (+506) 2588-4000.

Meanwhile, traffic police have issued warnings for common infractions in beach areas, including driving or parking on the sand and irresponsible use of jet skis. Beachgoers are urged to follow regulations to avoid fines or accidents.

The Traffic Police will be conducting nationwide patrols as part of a broader surveillance operation to ensure road safety during the holidays.

Notably, traffic fines were reduced this year after the Court Superior Council approved adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.

In a related announcement, officials confirmed there will be no vehicle restrictions in San José between April 11 and April 20 in recognition of the holiday period.

Recent police data shows that over 200 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence in recent months, following nearly 1,500 DUI tests.

The country has also seen a rise in traffic-related fatalities, with 102 deaths recorded between January and February 2025.

The MOPT oversees road, airport, and port infrastructure, in addition to public transportation policy across Costa Rica.

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