Investment opportunity in road infrastructure
Government of Costa Rica announces upcoming tender for the construction of the San José-San Ramón Route
One of the largest road infrastructure projects in the recent history of the country, with international financing already approved.
US$770M
US$600M / US$170M
~60 km
Why this project is attracting market attention
The San José – San Ramón Corridor is one of the busiest road arteries in Costa Rica and a key link connecting the Metropolitan Area, Alajuela and the Western region. Its expansion and improvement, together with the Río Segundo Radial, represents a large-scale infrastructure investment backed by international financing already approved by law, providing interested parties with a clear opportunity to participate in a high-profile project, with internationally recognized procurement rules (CABEI) and MOPT having already announced the publication of the bidding documents.
Financing secured for US$770 million, combining resources from CABEI (US$600M) and the OPEC Fund for International Development (US$170M).
Coverage of approximately 60 km, comprising the main corridor (55.6 km, National Route No. 1, La Sabana – San Ramón) and the Río Segundo Radial (4.45 km, Alajuela – Belén).
Wide range of works: road widening, rehabilitation and improvement, interchanges, bridges, pedestrian crossings, wildlife crossings, bus bays, toll stations and ITS systems — multiple opportunities for participation by construction companies, consortiums and specialized suppliers.
Procurement regime under CABEI’s procurement policies, an internationally recognized framework that offers predictability to local and international bidders.
MOPT has announced that the bidding documents will be published in August, opening a window for technical analysis and bid preparation.
Preliminary project scope
The project comprises the San José – San Ramón corridor, on National Route No. 1, in the section between La Sabana and San Ramón, as well as the Río Segundo Radial between Alajuela and Belén. The project covers approximately 55.6 km on the main corridor and an additional 4.45 km on the Río Segundo Radial.
The announced works include road widening, rehabilitation and improvement, as well as complementary components associated with interchanges, bridges, pedestrian crossings, wildlife crossings, bus bays, toll stations, ITS systems and other works necessary for the operation of the corridor.
Aspects yet to be defined in the bidding documents
The following elements still need to be specified in the final bidding documents and are worth monitoring closely:
Structure of the process and possible division into lots, sections or construction packages.
Eligibility requirements and specific technical experience.
Minimum financial capacity and supporting documentation.
Rules for consortiums, subcontracting and accreditation of joint experience.
Bid and performance guarantees.
Schedule for inquiries, clarifications, bid submission and award.
Regime applicable to objections, claims or challenges under CABEI rules.
Contractual conditions regarding price, currency, price adjustments, penalties, contract term, disputes and risks.
Legal framework
Procurement regime
The project is governed by Law No. 10899, published in Alcance No. 37 to La Gaceta No. 68 of April 15, 2026. This law approves the loan agreements entered into by the Republic of Costa Rica with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) and the OPEC Fund for International Development for the purpose of financing this road project.
The project is subject to CABEI’s procurement policies applicable to goods, works, services and consultancies financed with resources from that entity. Accordingly, any analysis of the bidding documents should be based on the final bidding documents and the applicable CABEI rules, carefully reviewing the eligibility requirements, technical experience, financial capacity, guarantees, consortium rules, clarification or objection mechanisms and challenge regime that are ultimately established.
Source: Law No. 10899, Alcance No. 37 to La Gaceta No. 68 of April 15, 2026.
Portfolio snapshot
| Applicable law | Law No. 10899 |
| Publication | Alcance No. 37 to La Gaceta No. 68 of April 15, 2026 |
| Purpose of the law | Approval of the loan agreements to finance the project |
| CABEI contract | No. 2341, up to US$600,000,000 |
| OPEC Fund | Supplementary financing of US$170,000,000 |
| Total amount | US$770,000,000 |
| Main corridor | National Route No. 1, La Sabana – San Ramón section (55.6 km) |
| Río Segundo Radial | Alajuela – Belén section (4.45 km) |
| Procurement regime | CABEI’s procurement policies |
| Bidding document status | Not yet published; MOPT has announced publication for August |
Are you interested in following this process or receiving an analysis of the bidding documents as soon as they are published?
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