San Ramón Highway Contract Approved

AFTER several setbacks, it appearsthe project to widen and improve the 68-km stretch of highway from San Josénorthwest past the Juan SantamaríaInternational Airport to San Ramón isfinally moving forward.The Comptroller General’s Office lastweek approved the contract for the project’scompletion by Autopistas del Valle S.A., aconsortium made up of Spanish firms FCCand Sacyr, Portuguese firm Soaraes DaCosta and Costa Rican firm M&S. Roadworkis expected to begin in early 2006.Under the 25-year concession,Autopistas del Valle will invest $270 millionin the project, which is expected toreduce driving time between the two citiesby 45 minutes during rush hour.