QCOSTARICA — Using special jacks, the El Puente La Amistad, the bridge over the Tempisque River, is being raised to replace the damaged supports, as part of the maintenance work.
The vehicular and pedestrian crossing bridge extends across the estuary at the mouth of the Tempisque River, located on Route 18 between the cantons of Cañas and Nicoya, in the province of Guanacaste.
The bridge was closed on April 1, 2024, and is scheduled on July 24, 2024, in time for the “July 25 holiday weekend” traffic, confirmed the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT).
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On social networks, many have commented that they see little to no work being done and few workers at any time. The MOPT clarified that the reason if that the rehabilitation work is being carried out under the structure, on structural elements transmit the loads from the beams to the piers and batons and from there to the foundations.
The intervention on the bridge not only ensures its stability and safety, but also extends its useful life significantly.
The bridge was financed and designed by the Republic of China in Taiwan and built mainly by the Taiwanese company RSEA Engineering Corporation and designed by MAA Group Consulting Engineers, with the participation of Costa Rican engineers and workers.
The construction of the bridge took place for almost three years, starting on July 25, 2000, and it was inaugurated on April 10, 2003.
Although it is generally known as a cable-stayed or suspension bridge, it is actually a two-part hybrid bridge: one section is made up of a suspended steel cable span and another is made up of a bridge with supporting pillars.
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It has a special importance for the province of Guanacaste since it facilitates transit between the Central Valley and the Nicoya Peninsula such as Cóbano, Santa Cruz, Hojancha, Lepanto, Nicoya, Paquera, Carrillo, and Nandayure, among others.
During the bridge’s closure, travel to and from the Nicoya peninsula and the Central Valley is by way of Liberia or Playa Naranjo and Paquera ferries connecting with the city of Puntarenas.
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