President Rodrigo Cháves Robles inaugurated a new bridge over the Caño Negro River on Apr. 24, connecting La Fortuna de San Carlos with Monteverde after five decades of waiting. The opening ceremony included President-elect Laura Fernández, Minister of Public Works and Transport Efraím Zeledón Leiva, community leaders, development associations, and local residents who played key roles in the project.
Minister Zeledón Leiva said the new structure will significantly improve life for residents. He explained that previously locals had to cross the river directly, which was dangerous especially during the rainy season. The bridge is also expected to reduce travel times.
Alejandro Weintz from the Integral Development Association of El Castillo said, “this bridge means opportunity and development for these two tourist hubs,” adding that travel time between Monteverde and La Fortuna will be cut by about two hours.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport worked together with local development associations on this project. The ministry provided designs as well as two Bailey-type metal structures totaling 112 meters in length. Local associations managed contracting for launching the bridges and conducting geological studies.
The structure includes abutments on each side of the river and a central concrete pier supporting both spans. Nearly ₡900 million was invested in total: ₡500 million covered costs for the bridges themselves while just over ₡350 million went toward assembly work.
Communities such as La Fortuna, El Castillo, Monteverde, Tilarán, and surrounding areas are among those expected to benefit directly from this new infrastructure.
