Roads to Santa Ana and Escazu being Expanded
Although the works being carried out will immediately benefit residents and workers from San Jose’s western sector, government officials stated that the works are the first stage of the long awaited (30 years) highway to the port of Caldera in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast.
An approximate 80,000 vehicles use the Prospero Fernandez Highway on a daily basis which has caused serious traffic jams during peak hours. The highway currently has four lanes and will be expanded to a total of 6 lanes making it the first 6 lane highway in Costa Rica.
Unlike other highways that have been expanded, the company in charge of carrying out the work will also expand the bridge to 2 more lanes in order to avoid “funnel jams” which are a major setback in the majority of traffic jams in the country.
Escazu and Santa Ana are currently the preferred areas by expatriates and has seen an impressive growth over the past few years. Costa Rica’s largest shopping mall, Multiplaza, is also located in the Escazu area and will also benefit from the works being carried out on the highway. A total of 2 underground lanes that will lead to the mall will also be included.
Works are expected to be completed by April of 2009 before continuing with the next area. The total area to be covered to Caldera from San Jose is of 77 kilometers and will have a total of four toll booths. When completed, the driving distance to Caldera from San Jose and vice versa will be approximately half an hour less than the current road.
Filed under: Travel and Places
