Key highway being closed so lines can be painted
In order to apply lines to the highway, transportation officials are closing parts of the key Braulio Carrillo route from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, Wednesday and Friday and all of it from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
In addition, the highway will be closed for part of the route Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The stretch involved is the 18 kms. (11 miles) from the intersection of Santa Elena to the RÃo Sucio intersection, according to the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes.
The Consorcio de Demarcación Vial is the private firm doing the work. The highway is the main route north to Guápiles and points east, including the Caribbean.The ministry said that the total closing of the road is necessary because of the climate that prevails this time of year. The paint being used will not stick to the road correctly unless it has a length of time to dry. Passing cars can damage the work, the ministry said.
Road marking is more labor intensive here than in other countries where automatic spray devices are used.
The ministry advised motorists to take alternative routes. One route exists via Heredia but it is much longer than the Braulio Carrillo highway, which is known as Route 32.
In addition road marking crews have been active over the weekend in Paso Ancho and soon will be at work in Tibás, Sabanilla, Alajuelita and other main roads in the Central Valley. Highway lines have nearly vanished due to continual official neglect.