Drivers faced another setback this morning as landslides blocked Route 32, the key link between the Central Valley and Limón province. The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation shut down the highway between kilometers 32 and 33 after debris covered the road, halting all traffic.
Officials from the ministry acted fast to organize cleanup teams, but they offered no timeline for reopening. They advised people to check official sources for updates and switch to other paths in the meantime. This stretch has seen repeated troubles, with heavy rains loosening soil and triggering slides.
Route 32 handles heavy use from commuters, truckers, and visitors. Freight companies feel the pinch most, as the road serves as the main route to Limón’s port, where exports make up about 80% of cargo handled by APM Terminals. Imports fill the rest. When closures hit, delays stack up, costing the economy around ¢500 million each day, according to business groups.
Tourism takes a hit too. Hotels and operators in the Caribbean depend on steady access, but frequent shutdowns disrupt plans and slow travel. One recent closure lasted nearly two weeks in November, when a massive rock near kilometer 31 threatened to fall. Crews used dynamite to break it apart and clear the way.
The problems peak during wet months, when saturated ground gives way more easily. Poor drainage along the route adds to the risk. A report earlier this year pinpointed 132 weak spots in the mountainous area, many between kilometers 17 and 35. The ministry has started studies on water flow and soil stability to find lasting fixes. Work crews drill and clear unstable slopes, but weather often slows progress. In one case, a landslide dumped tons of material, forcing a full stop until inspections confirmed safety.
Freight operators and local chambers have called for quicker action. They point out that these interruptions harm trade and raise costs for everyone involved. Alternate routes exist, but they add hours to trips and strain smaller roads. As the year ends, Route 32’s issues show no sign of easing. Officials promise updates as they work to stabilize the highway, but for now, patience wears thin among those who rely on it daily.
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