Published on Wednesday, August 14, 2024

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

 

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) inaugurated a section of Costa Rica's first three-level highway, situated in Hatillo 4 District in San José.

Authorities estimate that over 60,000 vehicles use this road daily. Drivers traveling between the cantons of Alajuelita, Desamparados, and Paso Ancho in San José Province can now use this road.

Is a three-level road that includes the country's largest viaduct known as Circunvalación Norte. The 3.35-mile road cost more than $222 million and was financed by a loan from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI).

The highway connects four routes: Route 39, the Inter-American Highway (from Panama to Nicaragua), Route 27 (between San José and Puntarenas) and Route 32 (between San José and Limón).

The entire road consists of six stages. The first part of construction in Uruca Canton has been finished. The bottom level includes the road, two tunnel lanes, and a roundabout. On the higher level, a four-lane overpass is being built to link Route 39.

The second part of the roadway, which connects the districts of León XIII and Colima and includes a bridge and a tunnel, is also completed.

The third section of a 1.3-kilometer four-lane road between Route 39 and Heredia Province is completed.

 
Another portion of the highway is being built between Colima and Route 32, with a 1,500-meter four-lane roadway and ramps to the top-level highway already completed.

 
A new section of the roadway is located in the Calle Blancos District. It comprises junctions for the new three-level roadway. The bottom level has a six-lane roadway. On the intermediate level, a two-lane roundabout was constructed. On the higher level, a four-lane elevated expressway is being developed. This segment of the road is now complete.

 
The last stretch of the roadway is a junction between Route 32 and Calle Blancos District, with a 50% advance. The road to Route 39 is 1.5 kilometers long and includes a tunnel. Authorities anticipate completing the last phase in June 2025.

The MOPT is an agency of the government in charge of roads, airports and maritime ports planning and construction. It also regulates public transportation.
 

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