La Amistad bridge, spanning the Tempisque River, faces repair costs nearly $1 million above initial estimates. Estrumet Metalmecánica EM S.A., awarded the repair contract by the National Roadway Council (Conavi) in 2022, discovered further structural issues during preliminary inspections. The initial contract was over $1.7 million, but with the additional damages found, the total projected cost is now set at $2.6 million.
The bridge, a 2003 gift from the Taiwanese government, has been plagued by structural problems, including significant damage from the 2012 Nicoya earthquake and a 2016 vehicular incident. Mauricio Batalla Otárola, Conavi’s Executive Director, emphasized the importance of these repairs to ensure the bridge’s longevity for another 75 years.
Repair work is scheduled post-Easter 2024, which will necessitate the bridge’s closure for three months. Alternate routes and enhanced ferry services will be available for commuters during this period.
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