The new elevated overpass connecting Hatillos 7 and 8 has reached 90 percent completion, with officials expecting it to open next month, according to an April 8 announcement. The project includes a pedestrian bridge being built over National Route 39, as well as acceleration and deceleration lanes that are currently under construction.
The development is considered important for improving mobility in the area. The Construction Management of Roads and Bridges at the National Road Council said that in Hatillo 8, work is ongoing on the acceleration lane, which will allow vehicles to enter National Route 39 from Avenida 22. In Hatillo 7, construction focuses on the deceleration lane for vehicles leaving Route 39 toward Avenida 22A.
Tasks underway include excavation, base preparation, curb and gutter installation for these new lanes. Workers are also assembling and pouring concrete for the deck of the new pedestrian bridge. On main structures, progress continues with building New Jersey-type barriers on the vehicular bridge.
Additional work involves filling operations along Calle 80 near Bastion Two and constructing retaining walls and more New Jersey barriers on Calle 80 and Avenida 22. The area also sees ongoing construction of storm drains, tactile paving sidewalks designed for visually impaired pedestrians, curbs, gutters, all aimed at enhancing pedestrian movement.
Unlike a previous structure between Hatillos 3 and 4—which did not cross above Route 39—the current overpass will span transversely above Circunvalación so that traffic below is not interrupted by stoplights. Residents of Hatillos 7 and 8 will be able to cross overhead instead of across busy traffic. The completed structure will be about 385 meters long with two lanes (one in each direction) plus sidewalks.
The project required demolishing an existing pedestrian bridge at the site to build a new one in front of Hatillo 8’s sports plaza. This complies with current regulations including Law 7600 concerning accessibility for people with disabilities. Additional improvements include approach roads, sidewalk construction, public utility relocations, drainage systems as well as proper road markings.
According to officials overseeing construction management at the National Road Council cited in the release, total investment amounts to ¢5.189 billion.
