Costa Rica names new roundabout in honor of Former U.S. Ambassador

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Published on Friday, January 17, 2025

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

A new roundabout named in honor of former U.S. Ambassador Raymond L. Telles Jr. officially opened to vehicle traffic Thursday in San José.

The roundabout, located between Hatillo Districts 3 and 4, commemorates Telles' term as ambassador to Costa Rica.

Photos via U.S. Embassy and John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, U.S.A.

Raymond Telles (1915–2013), father of current U.S. Ambassador Cynthia Telles, was a trailblazer as the first Mexican-American mayor of El Paso, Texas, in 1957.

He was the first Hispanic U.S. Ambassador, appointed by President John F. Kennedy and played a pivotal role in fostering U.S.-Costa Rica relations during his time in office from 1961 to 1967.

Public Works and Transportation Minister Mauricio Batalla said the roundabout honors Telles for embodying values of "work, effort, dedication, and service to all communities," which align with the President Rodrigo Chaves administration's principles.

"He offered tremendous support to Costa Rica, particularly during the Irazú Volcano eruption (in 1963)," Batalla said at the inauguration ceremony. "This roundabout symbolizes those same values and the enduring friendship between Costa Rica and the United States."

"Long live Costa Rica and long live the U.S.!, " he added.

Ambassador Cynthia Telles expressed gratitude on behalf of her family and the U.S. Government.

"This moment moves me deeply," she said. "My father’s legacy in Costa Rica reflects his unwavering commitment to advancing the prosperity and well-being of this beautiful country, which he often called his little piece of heaven."

The roundabout’s construction aims to streamline traffic in the city by directing vehicles through a central circular intersection.

Although 92% complete, the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) noted the need for additional work, including sidewalks, gutters, and minor details.

The $13.5 million project, funded by the Ministry of Public Works, is part of Costa Rica’s first three-level highway inaugurated in October 2024.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) is a government agency responsible for planning and building roads, airports, and maritime ports and regulating public transportation.

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What other highways or infrastructure projects in Costa Rica require urgent upgrades? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com