Inter-American Highway South could reopen on Thursday

Crews from the Public Works and Transport Ministry are working hard to reopen passage through the Inter-American Highway South, or Route 2, closed since last Jan 30. by the collapse of land that almost destroyed the road’s two lanes.

Authorities aim to open two provisional lanes on the route next Thursday, depending on weather conditions, according to a MOPT report issued Monday evening. It could take up to two more weeks to complete the permanent stretch of road.

Transport workers have already cut away the hillside to recover the ground lost by a 105-meter landslide. The MOPT’s director of emergency situations, David Meléndez, has said the road collapsed due to water saturation from constant rains in the area.

Motorists traveling to the southern zone currently have to take alternate routes, including Routes 222 and 228, which allow passage via El Empalme through the communities of Quebradilla, Corralillo, Santa Elena, Frailes and La Lucha.

Drivers coming from the other direction should take Route 209 by Río Conejo and follow exits at Aserrí or Desamparados, south of San José.

Transit police reported that heavy trucks only are allowed to use the Costanera Highway through Palmar Norte.

Alternate routes recommended by Traffic Police. (Courtesy of MOPT)