Catholics around the country are preparing to make the annual journey to visit the country's patron saint Nuestra Señora de los Angeles at the basilica in the eastern province of Cartago, and Traffic Police are preparing the streets for this pilgrimage, according to a statement from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT).

Special traffic operations will begin tomorrow, since about 2 million walkers are expected to take advantage of being off work and school for a national holiday Monday to make the trek to this holy site over the weekend. The holiday celebrating this virgin, known commonly as La Negrita, is Aug. 2.

For the first time this year, the five-kilometer stretch of road leading east into Cartago from Tres Ríos will be split into two lanes.

From 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., one lane will be for traffic entering Cartago from San José and the other side will be for walkers. After 8 p.m., this stretch will be closed to traffic to accommodate more walkers.

Highways that lead to Cartago from around the country will be watched over by an expanded force of Traffic Police beginning tomorrow in an effort to create safe conditions for walkers.

The ministry will also be prohibiting large trucks and those carrying hazardous materials from entering Cartago after 4 p.m. on Aug. 1, when foot traffic is heaviest.

Also on Aug. 1, the stretch of road from the Fuente La Hispanidad in the eastern suburb of San Pedro leading east to the Antigua Galera, will be blocked starting at about 6 p.m.

The ministry recommends that walkers face oncoming traffic in single-file lines when sidewalks aren't available and wear reflective clothing. Drivers are advised to go slowly through areas full of walkers and use alternative routes to get to and from Cartago.

One person per year has died during the past two pilgrimages, and in 2000 there were four victims of traffic accidents during the event.

-Tico Times