Virilla Bridge will remain closed at night until March 3

The infamous “platina” bridge is near completion, but it will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for minor works until March 3. The bridge connects San José to the Juan Santamaría Airport and Alajuela. However, the original bridge was not level with the rest of the road, causing major traffic jams. Construction to replace the bridge began two months ago.

Maria Lorena Lopez, the vice minister of public works and transportation, said the bridge was on schedule and workers only lacked the final pieces. The remaining works include pedestrian railings, demarcating the roads and placing a central barrier.

The project was conducted by the company Soares da Costa Rica, at a cost of $3.8 million, and it took eight weeks to remove the slab on the Virilla. Drivers now can enjoy a bridge that is level with the rest of the road

The path between the bridge in La Uruca (which traverses the Virilla River) and Juan Santamaría International Airport will take only 12 minutes. Previously the route took more than a half-hour. Also, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport will maintain its bus lane. Cars caught using the bus lane will be ticketed a fine of ₡308,235 ($620).