Route 32 reopened Wednesday morning under regulated passage at kilometer 48, a spot hard hit by repeated slides from heavy rains. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport posted the update at 6:45 a.m. They maintain steady checks on the road because rain keeps falling in the area and raises the chance of fresh slides.
“Good morning, constant monitoring of the route is maintained, especially considering that there is rain in the area. Regulated passage at kilometer 48. Drive prudently,” the ministry stated. The highway connecting San José to Limón saw brief access Tuesday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Conditions turned poor again, though, with earth, mud, and stones falling on the road. That led to another preventive shutdown.
Crews started cleaning early Wednesday, which let them open it partly. Officials say they might close it once more if the weather gets worse. The problems started last week. A cold front brought bad conditions that closed the road late Thursday, February 5, with falls at kilometers 27 and 28 blocking the way to the Caribbean. That left it shut for five days straight, with only short openings that did not last.
Traffic resumed Tuesday afternoon with one lane each way at kilometer 48. A full shutdown came at dark for safety. On Wednesday, teams plan to review the site and decide on a steady opening if things hold up. The back-and-forth hits the export trade hard. Firms report lost money from delays on this main path to the coast.
Drivers heading that way should watch for updates and take care. Alternate paths through Turrialba or Vara Blanca add time but stay open. Officials ask people to follow signs and speed limits in the Zurquí section, where the ground stays unstable. Route 32 reopening brings some relief after the long wait, but safety comes first with rain still in play.
