The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) and the National Road Council (CONAVI) announced on March 12 that the design phase for a new bridge over the Colorado River on National Route 34, known as Costanera Sur, is nearing completion.
The project involves constructing a completely new structure measuring 60 meters in length to replace the modular bridge currently in place. The original bridge collapsed previously, prompting the installation of the temporary modular solution.
Pablo Camacho, Vice Minister of Infrastructure, said, “Se estima que la construcción arrancará en mayo próximo, esta obra cambiará la vida de las personas y permitirá garantizar seguridad vial, peatonal y restablecerá el tránsito a dos carriles, mejorando significativamente la movilidad y los tiempos de traslado en esta ruta estratégica para la Zona Sur del país.”
The initiative aims to restore full operational capacity to the crossing and ensure compliance with current technical standards. It is expected to benefit approximately 44,057 people. The new bridge is designed with resilience in mind so it can withstand future climate events.
The restored two-lane flow at this point on Costanera Sur will improve connectivity between the Greater Metropolitan Area and southern regions such as Osa, Golfito, Corredores, and the border with Panama. This route also provides access to tourist destinations including Dominical, Uvita, Bahía Ballena, and the Osa Peninsula.
Initial work scheduled for April or May includes setting up a provisional passage by relocating the existing modular bridge. This measure will allow continuous vehicle traffic during construction. The total investment for this project is estimated at $2.5 million from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE), with construction expected to take 240 days.
