Traffic Authorities Implement Reversible Lane on Route 27 for Holiday Return

Authorities implement a reversible lane on Route 27 this Sunday to manage heavy return traffic from the Pacific coast. Plan your travel and check alternate routes.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 2, 2026, 6:14 AM EDT

Source: The Tico Times

Logistics and Timing of the Reversible Lane Operation

The 47 kilometer stretch of highway will shift to a one way flow toward the capital starting at 2:00 p.m. and concluding at 6:00 p.m. this Sunday. However, motorists must be aware that the road closure required to set up the operation will begin at 1:00 p.m. and remain in effect until 7:00 p.m. to allow for the safe clearing and subsequent reopening of the lanes. During these windows, travel toward the Pacific on this specific section of Route 27 will be strictly prohibited, as authorities aim to eliminate head on collision risks while maximizing lane capacity.

Strict Speed Limits and Safety Enforcement

To manage the high volume of vehicles safely, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) has set a maximum speed limit of 60 km/h for the duration of the reversible operation. Traffic Police will be deployed at key intervals to enforce these limits and guide drivers through the temporary signage. This speed restriction is a critical safety measure, given the increased density of vehicles and the atypical use of westbound lanes for eastbound travel.

Alternative Routes for Westbound Travelers

Drivers needing to travel toward the Pacific during the Sunday afternoon operation must utilize alternative routes, as Route 27 will be inaccessible for coastal bound trips. Suggested detours include Route 3 through Atenas and Aguacate, Route 1 (the Inter-American Highway) through Cambronero, or the more rural Route 239 through Puriscal and Turrubares. Travelers are encouraged to plan for extended travel times on these secondary roads, which are expected to see higher than normal traffic volumes due to the Route 27 restrictions.