COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

Authorities report that Route 32 stays shut down in the Zurquí sector as crews battle ongoing landslides triggered by heavy rains from cold front No. 14. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport confirms no set time for reopening, with work set to continue into Monday. The closure began Thursday evening when material fell across multiple points between kilometers 27 and 28.

Officials tried to clear the road Friday morning and briefly allowed traffic through for about four hours. By early afternoon, new slides forced them back to square one, and the route has stayed blocked since. Over the weekend, teams from the ministry pushed hard to remove debris. They cleared several spots on Saturday and Sunday, but steady downpours kept bringing down more earth and rocks. Rain hampers the efforts, as cleared areas quickly fill again or fresh slides appear nearby.

Engineers assess the slopes for stability, but weather slows progress. This key highway links the capital to the Caribbean coast, carrying commuters, tourists, and freight daily. The shutdown disrupts schedules for thousands, from truck drivers hauling goods to families heading east. Businesses in Limón feel the pinch, with delays in shipments and reduced visitor numbers during a busy period.

Drivers must detour for now. Light vehicles can take the Vara Blanca path, which winds through higher ground but avoids major slides. All traffic suits the Chilamate-Vuelta de Kooper or Turrialba routes, though these add hours to trips and face their own risks in bad weather. Police direct flow at checkpoints near the Zurquí toll and Río Frío junction to ease backups.

The cold front hit last week, dumping water across the region and sparking emergencies elsewhere. Floods and high winds affect other areas, but Route 32 takes the hardest hit due to its steep terrain through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Past events show similar closures last days or weeks until conditions dry out.

Ministry spokespeople say safety comes first. They monitor forecasts closely and plan to update the public through official channels. Travelers should check transit apps or radio for real-time changes before setting out.

Recent upgrades to the route, finished late last year, added lanes and bridges from Río Frío to Limón. Those improvements help flow when open, but landslides remain a challenge in rainy spells. Officials note that ongoing lighting and connectivity projects cause brief stops at times, but the current issue stems purely from nature.

As Monday starts, crews return to the site with machinery to push forward. If rains ease, they might reopen sections soon. For now, patience rules for anyone relying on this artery.