Studies Underway to Rebuild Washed Out Section of InterAmerican Highway in Costa Rica

The Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT) recently announced that it would be presenting the results of a study focused resolving the problem of the stretch of Inter-American Highway South. This section of the highway was previously washed out during a landslide along the area known as Cerro de la Muerte.

Director of Emergencies David Meléndez stated that the results of those studies would determine whether it would be feasible for a new lane to be opened through the slope of the mountain in order to make it possible for vehicles to pass through.

Both hydraulic and geological studies were conducted in order to determine the status of the mountain slope. As a result, it will be possible to calculate how far a new lane can be extended through the mountain wall in order to extend the road.

According to the National Roadway Council, it would take a minimum of one month to reopen the route. The University of Costa Rica has issued a report indicating that there are several vulnerable points long that particular stretch of road. As a result, there is still the potential risk for more landslides to occur if heavy rainfall and other weather conditions affect the soil in that area.

The outside lane of the highway was completely demolished as a result of water-saturated terrain, stemming from continual rains in the area. Due to the collapse, both a vehicle and a motorcycle fell into the landslide. Fortunately, the drives were not injured. Currently, motorists who need to travel to the Southern Zone will need to utilize alternative routes. Traffic police have recommended that drivers take routes 228 and 222. These routes will take passengers through El Empalme by following the communities of Quebradilla, Corralillo, Frailes, Santa Elena, and La Lucha. Motorists who are travel from the other direction have been advised to take Route 209. The detours extend travel an average of one hour, according to MOPT.