No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCosta RicaCritics Flag Safety Issues on Costa Rica's Route 32

Critics Flag Safety Issues on Costa Rica’s Route 32

Several sections of route 32 (Río Frío-Limón) have been flagged by users as potential road safety hazards.

Frequent travelers on this route express concerns over inadequate signage, attributing some fatal accidents to this oversight.

The project is being managed by the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), which has already expanded certain segments to four lanes. These segments include stretches between kilometers 63 and 84 (from Gasolinera Eusse to Puente Destierro) and between kilometers 110 and 133 (from Espavel to Venecia).

Complaints from local residents and regular commuters were raised during a recent announcement by the Office of Communication, Attention, and Proximity (Coapro), a division of the Project Execution Unit (UEP).

Despite these concerns, Coapro’s announcement emphasized that the project is progressing at a satisfactory pace, highlighting the expansion to four lanes in specific areas.

“We are committed to opening some sections to better regulate traffic and enhance road safety. As of September 1st, a 20-kilometer section with four lanes has been opened, spanning from kilometer 63 to kilometer 84,” they stated.

They also pointed out that “it’s crucial that U-turns, driving against the flow of traffic, and the passage of motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians between New Jersey-style barriers are strictly avoided to ensure public safety.”

The UEP has also requested that all road users respect the existing signs and markings, install additional barriers, and refrain from using sections of the road that have not been officially opened.

Furthermore, road users have been urged to stay alert for new signage and the presence of flagmen, especially in anticipation of future openings scheduled for December.

The project’s initial completion date was set for February 8, 2023. However, Conavi has granted an extension, now aiming for completion by March 15, 2024.

In addition to these construction challenges, CHEC has lodged claims of $150 million against the government, citing adjustments and delays related to expropriations, among other issues. Conavi may acknowledge a portion of these claims, specifically $9 million associated with expropriation delays.

The project includes the construction of 13 overpasses, 5 interchanges, and 24 pedestrian bridges. Notable interchanges are located in Río Frío, Guápiles, Siquirres, the Moin Container Terminal (TCM), and Moin.

Elevated pedestrian crossings are situated at various points, such as La Unión, Río Danta, Toro Amarillo, Sinaí, El Molino, Jiménez, Guácimo, Pocora, La Herediana, La Francia, Siquirres, Batán, and Matina.

The total cost of the project, as outlined in the current contract, stands at $465.5 million, secured through two loans facilitated by the Exim Bank of China. Additionally, the government was expected to contribute nearly $70 million for expropriations, public service relocations, and contract management.

Nevertheless, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) estimates an additional $200 million will be required to complete the entire route, along with supplementary works to connect the project with the adjacent cantons of Pococí, Guácimo, Siquirres, Matina, and Limón.

According to the monthly executive progress report published by Conavi, as of the end of June, approximately $292 million had already been expended on the project, leaving nearly $174 million for future execution.

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano Park Reopening to Tourists With Safety Measures

The Poás Volcano National Park will reopen its doors to tourism starting July 30, after  scientific entities reported a decrease in volcanic activity. This was...

Venezuela Accuses El Salvador of Torturing Deported Migrants From U.S.

Sexual abuse, daily beatings, rotten food: The government of Nicolás Maduro on Monday denounced “torture” against Venezuelan migrants sent by the United States to...

Costa Rica Fails to Meet Human Rights Standards for Deportees

The Ombudsman's Office has confirmed that Costa Rica was unprepared to provide adequate care for deportees who have entered the country since February. This...

Remittances to Central America Surge 20% Amid U.S. Deportation Fears

Family remittances in Central America grew by around 20% in the first half of 2025, according to official data—a rise that experts attribute to...

Why I Choose Real Life in Costa Rica Over the AI Hype

When it comes to AI, call me OG. Old school. I sometimes wish I could go back to a time before it existed. Artificial...

Why Birders Are Flocking to Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado

Costa Rica is a bird-watching paradise, offering an incredible diversity with close to 900 recorded species, including resident and migratory species. One reason for...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica