Costa Rica has launched a major modernization project for the bridge that spans the Tempisque River in Guardia de Liberia, Guanacaste. The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) will invest approximately US $4.9 million in the renovation, set to continue until 2027 after 567 days of construction. Years of wear on the structure—exposed daily to heavy traffic—made this intervention unavoidable.
Located on National Route 21, the bridge is a vital connection between Guanacaste Airport (Daniel Oduber Quirós), the beaches of Papagayo, and several communities including Playa del Coco, Potrero, and Tamarindo. Engineers had identified critical structural damage to supports and connections, confirming the need for a full renovation to ensure user safety.
The Tempisque River is one of Guanacaste’s most iconic waterways, winding through mangroves, farmland, and biodiversity-rich wetlands. Wildlife thrives in its quieter sections, where birds, reptiles, and mammals gather. The bridge crossing at Guardia de Liberia has gradually become a popular stop for travelers. Many tourists briefly pull over in hopes of catching sight of an American crocodile in the river below—an impressive scene that adds a touch of adventure to any trip toward the Papagayo beaches.
The project begins with the removal of an older parallel bridge and the installation of a 92-meter temporary structure featuring two lanes and a pedestrian sidewalk. This modular bridge will keep traffic flowing during the renovation, though slowdowns should be expected. Once in place, crews will focus on the complete rehabilitation of the main steel truss bridge, including reinforcement of vertical elements, replacement of the deck, new supports, anticorrosion paint, and the addition of a 1.2-meter sidewalk to enhance pedestrian safety. Road signage will also be fully modernized across the bridge’s 110-meter length.
For Guanacaste residents, this modernization is viewed as a reassuring step. Jean-François Lapointe, an expatriate living in Sardinal for several years, notes that “this renovation was truly overdue. The bridge is an essential passage for workers, families, and visitors.”
Route 21 is equally crucial for travelers heading to hotels and beaches along the coast. Emily Roberts, a Canadian tourist currently staying in Playa Hermosa, expressed her support for the project after crossing the bridge several times. “It’s a very busy route, and its importance is obvious. Knowing the bridge will be upgraded is great news. Even if traffic slows during construction, it will clearly improve the experience for future travelers.”
The project is coordinated by the National Road Council (CONAVI) in collaboration with the Consorcio P-Tempisque. Preparatory work began last May and included restrictions for heavy vehicles and temporary repairs to stabilize the structure while awaiting this major renovation.
With the region’s ongoing growth and the rising volume of both tourist and residential traffic, the intervention comes at the perfect time. Authorities have committed to providing regular updates to help drivers plan their routes—especially during high season, when traffic is at its peak.
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