Renovation of the Tárcoles River Bridge 🐊
(Crocodile Bridge)
The Tárcoles Bridge — the main connection to Jacó, Herradura, and Manuel Antonio — is currently operating with one lane only, 24 hours a day, causing severe delays throughout the Central Pacific region.
🚗 Current estimated travel times from San José:
• To Jacó: approximately 4.5 hours
• To Manuel Antonio: approximately 6 hours
These times may vary AND CAN WORSEN depending on traffic conditions, accidents, or additional closures.
According to the Project Execution Unit for the rehabilitation of the Tárcoles River Bridge, traffic is reduced to one lane from February 23 through March 27, Monday through Sunday, 24 hours a day, due to work on the bridge superstructure (the upper portion where vehicles and pedestrians travel).
📅 Important project updates:
• During Easter Week (March 28 to April 5), both lanes will be fully open with no restrictions.
• Between March 15 and April 20, full nighttime closures (both lanes) will occur from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM on specific, non-consecutive dates for seismic isolator installation.
• From May 4 to May 9, 2026, traffic will return to one-lane operation for bridge joint installation.
The rehabilitation of the bridge on Route 34 (Costanera Sur) is currently 61% complete and is part of the PROERI program funded by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE).
⚠️ This is not normal traffic. This is the main connection between the Central Pacific and the rest of the country.
If conditions worsen significantly and traffic becomes unmanageable, some services may need to be canceled for safety and logistical reasons.
🚨 Due to the magnitude of the situation, we strongly recommend considering changing your destination if your itinerary is flexible. At this time, travel to the Central Pacific involves extremely long and unpredictable delays.
We appreciate your understanding as this situation is beyond our control and depends on the current road conditions.
🚶 Pedestrian and Crocodile Viewing Restrictions
The bridge remains open to pedestrians only for crossing purposes.
⚠️ Crocodile viewing is prohibited during renovations, as the bridge is now a work zone with heavy machinery.
Tour operators and visitors are asked to avoid stopping on the bridge for safety reasons.
🌴 Destinations Most Affected
Travelers heading along Route 34 should plan for possible delays when visiting:
- Jacó Beach 🏖️ – Famous surfing and nightlife hub.
- Herradura & Los Sueños Marriott ⛳ – Marina, golf, and luxury resort area.
- Tarcoles & Carara National Park 🌳 – Wildlife and scarlet macaws.
- Quepos & Manuel Antonio National Park 🦥 – Costa Rica’s most visited park.
- Esterillos, Parrita & Bejuco 🏝️ – Surfing and quieter beaches.
- Dominical, Uvita & Osa Peninsula 🐋 – Eco-adventures, whale watching, and national parks.
✅ Travel Tips from SJOShuttle.com 🇨🇷
- Book private transportation for more flexible schedules.
- Allow additional time in your itinerary for possible delays.
- Stay updated – our team provides the latest traffic information.
- Trust our expertise – our drivers know alternate routes when possible.
📌 Final Note
The Tárcoles River Bridge (Crocodile Bridge) renovation is a vital project to ensure safe travel for years to come. While delays are expected, SJOShuttle.com 🇨🇷 is dedicated to making your trip comfortable, safe, and as timely as possible.
