One of Costa Rica’s main highways between the Central Valley and the Pacific remained completely closed today after a tractor-trailer crashed into a temporary bridge on Route 1 at Cambronero. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) said its latest guidance is that the Interamericana Norte will remain closed in both directions until crews remove the truck and its cargo, inspect the modular Bailey bridge and determine what repairs are needed. No reopening time has been announced.
The accident happened at about 10:30 p.m. last night in Santiago de San Ramón. The truck, which had Guatemalan plates, struck the side of the bridge while carrying large rolls of paper or cardboard. Some of the load was scattered around the bridge, complicating efforts to clear the highway.
The driver became trapped inside the cab and had to be freed by emergency crews. He was taken to Carlos Luis Valverde Vega Hospital in San Ramón. Authorities have not reported his current condition. MOPT bridge specialists were sent to Cambronero Tuesday to examine the structure before any traffic is allowed across it. The bridge was already undergoing preventive maintenance this week before Monday night’s crash.
The closure could create big delays for people traveling between San José and destinations in Puntarenas and Guanacaste. Route 1 through Cambronero is one of the main roads connecting the Central Valley with northwestern Costa Rica and carries substantial passenger and freight traffic. MOPT is directing drivers toward two main alternatives.
Route 27 between San José and Caldera is open to cars, buses and heavy trucks. Drivers should keep in mind that it is a toll road and additional traffic caused by the Cambronero closure could increase travel times. Route 3 through Monte del Aguacate is another option for lighter vehicles, but articulated trucks and tractor-trailers should not use it. Authorities have also identified the local Río Jesús-Piedra Blanca road as an option for light vehicles.
Traffic Police officers are stationed around the closed section to prevent vehicles from entering while crews work. The crash also caused problems for other motorists Monday night. A bus carrying about 25 people went off the roadway while attempting to maneuver near the accident scene. Emergency personnel checked the passengers, but none required transportation to a hospital.
The Bailey bridge involved in last night’s crash is a modular structure installed in the Cambronero area in November 2025 as a temporary solution following earlier problems along the highway. For anyone heading from the Central Valley toward the Pacific today, the safest assumption is that Route 1 through Cambronero remains unavailable until MOPT issues a new announcement. Drivers should allow additional travel time and check road conditions before leaving.
