Costa Rica Initiates Removal of Route 1 Toll Barriers to Ease San José Airport Traffic

President Rodrigo Chaves orders the removal of unused toll booths at Río Segundo and Naranjo on Route 1, a key move in the $770M San José–San Ramón expansion project.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 9:50 AM EDT

Source: The Tico Times

Dismantling a Historical Bottleneck

Drivers traversing Route 1 near Costa Rica's primary international gateway are set to experience significant relief following the presidential order to dismantle unused toll infrastructure. Although fee collection at the Río Segundo de Alajuela and Naranjo stations was suspended in September 2025, the physical booths remained, acting as a lingering obstacle to smooth traffic flow. By removing these barriers, the government aims to eliminate the artificial "choke point" that has long plagued commuters and tourists heading to and from Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Financial Foundation for Corridor Expansion

The order was issued during a strategic visit to San Ramón, where President Chaves finalized the legislative framework for the comprehensive expansion of the San José–San Ramón corridor. This massive infrastructure undertaking is backed by $770 million in financing and covers a 55.6-kilometer stretch of Route 1. A critical component of the project is the 4.45-kilometer radial connection linking Río Segundo and Belén, which is expected to further decentralize traffic and provide alternative routes for those avoiding the main airport thoroughfare.

Transformative Analysis: Infrastructure as Economic Stimulus

The removal of the booths is more than a logistical fix; it represents a strategic shift in how Costa Rica manages its primary logistics corridors. By clearing these barriers, the administration is effectively "greasing the wheels" of the local economy, reducing the time-cost for logistics companies and daily commuters alike. Furthermore, the $770 million investment signals a long-term commitment to infrastructure as a primary driver of regional development, positioning the Alajuela-San José corridor as a modernized industrial and tourism backbone capable of supporting future growth.