Costa Rican Authorities changed course on road works along Route 243 near La Palma. They canceled the full closure of the section over the Pacuare River that they had scheduled for about three weeks starting March 11. Workers still move ahead to remove the existing modular bridge and prepare the site for the new permanent structure. The decision reduces major problems for people who drive daily between San Isidro de El General and Dominical in the southern zone.
The project replaces the temporary modular bridge with a new crossing 60 meters long that includes a sidewalk 1.2 meters wide. The investment totals 1,754 million colones. Work stands near 75 percent complete, and the new bridge opens early in April ahead of the Easter holiday period.
Traffic continues across the current modular bridge. Light vehicles pass without change. Heavy trucks and buses face temporary limits from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. until March 15 while machinery operates at the site. Drivers of those vehicles take other paths during those hours.
Light vehicles and buses can use the local alternate route through El Rosario de Pacuar when needed. From La Palma next to FerreterÃa Oro Verde heading toward San Isidro, drivers turn right and travel three kilometers toward El Rosario. They turn left and continue past the area around Alto Las Ranas near Liceo Aeropuerto Jerusalén. One more left turn reconnects with Route 243 near the Grupo Boston material depot. Travelers in the opposite direction follow the same path in reverse.
Heavy vehicles detour along Route 34, the Costanera Sur, to Palmar Norte and then connect to Route 2, the Interamericana Sur. They repeat the route in reverse on the return trip. The update lets most drivers stick to their usual path through La Palma. People who travel the southern Pacific coast should still check conditions before they leave and add extra time if they carry heavy loads.
The works include final steps such as building the bridge deck and safety features. With these changes in place, regular traffic returns to the direct route once the new structure opens.
