A Half-Century of Broken Promises:
San Carlos residents have been strung along for decades, waiting for a promised road to San Jose that never materialized. Originally designed 50 years ago, construction began in 2005 but has faced endless setbacks—geological faults, wetland issues, failed contracts, and financial constraints, to name a few.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel:
Now, there seems to be a glimmer of hope. While 100 properties still need to be expropriated and $140 million must be raised, insiders say completion is “finally” on the horizon during the current government term.
Counting the Cost—In Tolls:
Would you trade a few coins to shave off an hour of travel time? An initial study suggests toll rates could range from ¢1,200 to ¢1,250 for light vehicles and ¢4,000 for heavy ones. But hang tight; these numbers aren’t set in stone. As a public service, Aresep will have the final say.
Traffic Alleviation Comes to Ciudad Quesada:
Not only will the road shorten trips to San Jose, but it will also improve commutes around Ciudad Quesada, redirecting traffic away from city centers in areas like Sucre-La Abundancia and Florencia.
The Clock is Ticking:
Construction is slated to restart in September, meaning bidding and contracting must be finalized by August. With a projected completion date of April 2026, the project’s timeline is contingent on successful expropriations.
A Long Road Ahead—But Worth the Wait:
So far, only the northern part of the highway is complete, and the central part was 60% done before the project stalled in 2018. Once completed, the highway will feature two lanes in each direction, 13 new bridges, rehabilitated existing bridges, 31 interchanges, as well as wildlife crossings and bike paths.
