The first phase of rehabilitation work on the bridge over the Grande de Térraba River in Palmar Norte, Osa, Puntarenas, has reached 40 percent completion, according to Vice Minister of Infrastructure Pablo Camacho on Mar. 24. Camacho visited the project as part of a tour to inspect several active works in the southern region of Costa Rica.
This project is important because it aims to improve safety and extend the lifespan of a key transportation link in the area.
“Currently we are executing the first phase of this project, which includes cleaning all bridge piers, constructing protections at abutment No.1, sealing cracks and removing old asphalt to more precisely determine the extent of deterioration and work on its rehabilitation,” Camacho said.
During this initial stage, damaged joints will also be repaired, repairs will be made to the deck, sidewalks will be built at access points and other necessary interventions will take place. The first phase is expected to conclude in June.
Camacho said that starting in July, a second phase is planned which will focus on structural reinforcement for both substructure and superstructure so that “it meets current requirements for vehicle loads and seismic criteria established by bridge design regulations.” He added: “In this second phase besides all structural reinforcement we will also intervene with cleaning and painting trusses as well as improvements in lighting to complement all interventions.”
Traffic management during construction involves partial road closures with intermittent passage regulated by flaggers. Most work takes place during daylight hours from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., though some tasks may require nighttime shifts depending on complexity.
Work will pause during Holy Week to facilitate travel for those heading to vacation destinations; activity stops Friday March 27 and resumes Monday April 6.
The project has funding totaling $10,380,216.34 from the Emergency Program for Comprehensive and Resilient Infrastructure Reconstruction (PROERI).
The broader impact of this initiative lies in ensuring safe transit across an essential route while adapting infrastructure standards for modern needs.
