The Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced on March 11 that the replacement of the expansion joint on the Birrís River bridge, located between Oreamuno and Alvarado in Cartago, will require a full closure to vehicle traffic over the coming weekend.
According to the Construction Management of Roads and Bridges at the National Road Council, the closure will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, and end at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. The work is necessary to ensure safe passage for all users by maintaining critical infrastructure.
While vehicles will not be able to cross during this period, pedestrians will still be allowed access across the bridge. Drivers are advised to use an alternate route via the cantonal road known as “Camino Charcalillo,” which connects with National Route 402 in San Pablo and continues toward Buenos Aires de Pacayas before rejoining the national route.
The Birrís bridge is situated on National Route 402 and measures 35 meters in length with a width of 6.6 meters, allowing for single-lane traffic regulated by yield signs. It also features a pedestrian walkway separated from vehicular traffic by a New Jersey-type concrete barrier.
The expansion joint being replaced is made of neoprene and installed between the bridge structure and roadway. Its purpose is to allow relative movement between these structures by absorbing shifts caused by temperature changes, traffic loads, and natural structural behavior due to its elastic properties.
