New Costa Rica route in focus

A new road project in Costa Rica is being evaluated at present. The plans call for an upgrade of Route 32, providing an improved 46km link between Virilla River and Sucio River areas. The project would require the driving a new tunnel in parallel with the existing Zurqui Tunnel, located on the southern side of the Braulio Carillo National Park. The project is expected to cost US$643 million and the route is likely to be offered to tender under a 30 year tolled concession package. A full feasibility study has yet to be carried out but as Route 32 runs through the Braulio Carillo National Park, any upgrade work will be subject to strict environmental legislation. Development of Route 32 will allow the road link to carry more traffic and help boost the country’s tourist trade, a key sector for Costa Rica’s economy.