Drivers in San José should expect heavy traffic, detours, and temporary road closures around La Sabana tomorrow, May 8, as Costa Rica holds its presidential transfer of power ceremony at the National Stadium. The traffic operation will run from 6:00 a.m. until about 4:00 p.m., with the biggest impact expected in Sabana Norte, Sabana Oeste, Pavas, Rohrmoser, and roads near the stadium.
The ceremony for President-elect Laura Fernández is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and is expected to draw large crowds, official delegations, and foreign dignitaries. For those moving through western San José, the best advice is to avoid the area if possible. Those staying near La Sabana, Rohrmoser, Pavas, Paseo Colón, Escazú, or downtown San José should add extra travel time, especially if heading to appointments, hotels, bus stops, or the airport.
One of the main closures will affect the area from the National Stadium toward the Datsun agency. That stretch will be closed in one direction, with traffic only allowed in the opposite direction. Drivers coming from the Datsun area toward the Hilton San José La Sabana will need to turn right and exit through the Boulevard of Rohrmoser, near Soda Tapia on Calle 68A.
The front of the National Stadium will also be closed toward the Pavas road. Another closure of about 200 meters will apply from Canal 7 toward Pavas. Vehicles coming from Pavas into San José will be diverted right toward the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, then onto the road that passes by the Comptroller General’s Office before reconnecting with Paseo Colón or Avenida 10.
Public transportation will also be affected. Buses traveling toward the event from Route 27 will need to reach the area near the Eddy Cortés National Gymnasium, move through nearby blocks, and return onto Route 27 in the opposite direction to get closer to the stadium. Other buses and vehicles moving through Sabana Norte and Pavas will be required to follow the same detours as private traffic.
The impact may not and in all likelihood will not stay limited to La Sabana. Traffic Police warned that official motorcades carrying diplomatic delegations and other dignitaries could also cause delays on Route 27, the General Cañas highway, and in downtown San José. That matters for anyone moving between the airport, hotels in Escazú or Sabana, downtown San José, and Pacific coast destinations.
Authorities are also asking companies in the affected area to consider telework or other scheduling changes on Friday. Drivers who cannot avoid the zone are being urged to leave earlier than usual and pay close attention to traffic officers, temporary signs, and sudden changes near the stadium.
Traffic controls will begin even before Friday. Starting today officers will be present from 11:00 a.m. in Sabana Este near the León Cortés statue because of an activity at the Costa Rican Art Museum. Later that day, traffic regulation is expected around Avenida Segunda for an event at the National Theater and in Barrio Escalante near the Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia Museum. Officers are expected at those two locations from 2:00 p.m. onward.
