Crane at collapsed Bailey Bridge removed

An 84-ton crane that collapsed a bridge Tuesday was removed at 3:23 p.m. Thursday by crews from two private companies hired by the crane’s owner, Grúas Quirós.

The crane was placed on one side of the General Cañas Highway, which connects the capital San José with the province of Alajuela. 

Officials from the National Roadway Council (CONAVI) confirmed that crews will begin working Thursday night to replace the bridge, and then they will lay new asphalt.

CONAVI director José Luis Salas said that they will increase the number of crew workers and that he “hopes to God” traffic in the area will be back to normal on Tuesday.

Official figures released Wednesday by the Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT) say the fallen bridge caused daily losses of $1.5 million for the country, taking into account losses by the government, private businesses and citizens.

It also prompted suspension of some school classes on Friday and Monday in the provinces of Alajuela, Heredia and San José.