A new bridge aimed at improving traffic flow around the busy Multiplaza shopping center in the western suburb of Escazú was broken in by drivers this week.

Representatives of Grupo Roble, the company that financed the $500,000 project, inaugurated the bridge Monday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The goal of the project is to create another way to access Multiplaza, easing traffic congestion around the rotunda connecting the mall and the highway, according to a statement from Grupo Roble, which owns Multiplaza as well as the nearby Hotel Real Intercontinental and Plaza Roble corporate center.

The bridge connects the east side of Multiplaza with Office Depot. From that store's parking lot, drivers can access the highway rather than having to go through the congested rotunda on the other side of the mall, explained Grupo Roble spokeswoman Paula Sánchez.

Statistics from the Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT) show that an average of 80,000 vehicles pass through this area during peak traffic hours every day.

Grupo Roble covered the costs of the project, while Office Depot donated land to the Escazú Municipality. The two-lane bridge allows for traffic to flow in both directions and has a sidewalk for pedestrians.