Caldera Highway Traffic Causes Back-up at Tool Booths
Costa Rica's National Concessions Council (CNC) will be need a month to study the new San Jose Caldera Highway's traffic. The toll system may have to be modified to avoid back-ups at toll booths.
Since the first weekend the Caldera Highway opened, tens of thousands of cars traveled the new road towards Jaco and the Central Pacific. The CNC has decided to wait until the things settle down to measure how many cars actual will be traveling the highway under normal conditions.
To relieve congestion, the CNC suggested that Autopistas del Sol, the Spanish company contracted to build and operate the highway, raise tolls during rush hour to discourage transit at peak times. This caused unexpected long back-ups at toll booths.
The government institution also requested that Autopistas del Sol devise a plan to expedite toll payments and prevent bottleneck clogs during high-traffic times such as Semana Santa (Easter holy week) and Costa Rica national holidays. Drivers have also complained about the time that it takes toll booth operators to return change.
From Thursday, Jan. 28 through Jan. 31 – the road's first four day's in operation – an average of 22,897 vehicles traveled the route per day, well above the projected 2,000. During the four day period, drivers reported waiting for hours at toll booths.
The CNC expects Autopistas del Sol to submit new plans by the first week of March, which the concessions council will then evaluate for approval. If rejected, Autopistas del Sol will have five days to revise its plan, provided the scheme does not require new construction. If the company decides to build more toll booths, it will have three months.
If congestion persists, the CNC will grant drivers free reign of the road and Autopistas del Sol will be fined $5,000 per day for not complying with modifications and deadlines.
Drivers will be notified 15 days before any change takes place.
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