Drivers using Route 1 between the Central Valley and Puntarenas is facing a new traffic pattern today as construction continues around San Ramón. The biggest change effects motorists going from San José toward Puntarenas. Instead of continuing straight through the construction area, drivers must go through the San Ramón access road, follow Route 135 and then reconnect with Route 1 after passing the work zone.
Those coming from Puntarenas toward San Ramón will continue using the temporary side road that was put into service several weeks ago. People leaving San Ramón for San José can continue along the San Ramón access road, take Route 156 and use the roundabout to return toward the capital.
The changes are expected to stay in place through December while crews work on the La Unión tunnel and a new two-level interchange at the entrance to San Ramón. For anyone heading from San José toward Puntarenas or the northern Pacific, you should pay particularly close attention once approaching San Ramón since the route is still open but don’t expect the normal path through the area.
This latest change is part of a larger traffic plan that has been in place around San Ramón since earlier this month. Construction has required vehicles to move onto temporary roads while crews carry out excavation, build support structures and expand the tunnel beneath Route 1. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has previously asked drivers to keep their speed at no more than 30 kilometers per hour, about 19 mph, through the construction zone. Officials have also warned motorists to expect delays while the work continues.
When finished it should improve one of the main ways of getting to San Ramón and remove the current road-level crossing between Route 1 and local traffic. Construction on the interchange was about 25% complete in August, with the overall project valued at roughly $10.8 million and financed through a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank.
The San Ramón area is already a regular trouble spot for drivers heading west from the Central Valley, particularly on weekends and holidays when traffic builds toward Puntarenas and Guanacaste. The construction means travelers should leave extra time and rely on posted signs rather than assuming their usual Route 1 path will be available.
The temporary traffic setup is scheduled to remain through December, although separate work on the La Unión tunnel has previously been expected to continue into January 2027.
