TRAVEL ALERT UPDATE: Rains, landslides close eight routes across Costa Rica

Heavy rains, landslides and deteriorating infrastructure have closed eight routes across Costa Rica, according to the National Roadway Council, or CONAVI.

There is some respite for drivers, however: the Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT) announced that Route 32 connecting San José and Limón would reopen Saturday. MOPT estimated the total cost of repairs at over $300,000.  

The following routes remain closed:

Route 226 at El Jardín. CONAVI hopes to reopen the road on Monday, Oct. 14, weather permitting.

Route 150 at Caimital. Authorities say the route hopefully will reopen by next Wednesday, Oct. 9. Drivers should use Route 160 between Samara–Nosara in the meantime.

Route 225 at Tucurrique Oriente. The Roadway Council recommends drivers travel along the local road to Pejibaye and turn onto Route 408 to head back east.

Route 142 at Nuevo Arenal–Represa. Lightweight vehicles should take Route 6 to Upala to reach Route 4.

CONAVI did not provide alternate routes for the following closures:

Route 708 at Bajos del toro–El Silencio.

Route 301 between San Luís and Bijagual.

Route 962 at Tronadora-Río Chiquito.