Work has begun on a new bridge over the Torres River along Circunvalación, starting a yearlong project that will eventually expand this busy section of the highway from four to six lanes. The project is located on Route 39 in La Uruca, between the Monumento al Agua interchange and the overpass connecting Circunvalación with Rohrmoser.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) and the National Road Council (CONAVI) said the existing culvert system will be replaced by a 44.9-meter (147-foot) bridge. The current drainage structures have reached the end of their useful life and do not have enough capacity to handle the river’s water flow, creating a risk of collapse.
The new bridge will carry three lanes in each direction. It will also include shoulders, concrete safety barriers and sidewalks on both sides. Drivers should expect construction activity in the area over the coming months, although transportation officials say four lanes will remain open throughout the project. That means two lanes should continue operating in each direction, as they do now.
Vice Minister of Infrastructure Pablo Camacho said crews will build the outside portions of the bridge first. Traffic can then be shifted while workers replace the center section. During the first few weeks, work will concentrate on moving earth, clearing the construction area and relocating public utility lines. MOPT asked drivers to obey temporary signs and instructions from traffic officers.
Officials expect the full project to take approximately one year. The expansion is intended to remove a bottleneck along one of the most heavily traveled sections of Circunvalación. While officials expect limited disruption, drivers traveling through La Uruca should allow extra time, particularly during the morning and afternoon rush hours.
MOPT has not announced a complete construction schedule showing when traffic shifts or individual lane restrictions will occur. Any major changes to the traffic plan are expected to be announced as work progresses.
