Costa Rica's Caribbean-bound Braulio Carrillo Highway reopened yesterday at 1:30 p.m. after transit officials had closed it Monday afternoon because of landslides, according to the Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT).

Ministry spokesman Omar Segura said workers cleaned up the road and traffic is flowing back to normal, but that drivers should use Braulio Carrillo – also called Ruta 32 – with caution.

“New landslides could occur so motorists should drive carefully, especially at night. It's recommended to go during the day, if possible, and to avoid heavy rain storms,” Segura said.

Braulio Carrillo runs from San José through mountains to Caribbean flatlands, and is an important route from the capital to the port city of Limón.

Another major road, the Inter-American Highway South, remains closed from Cerro de la Muerte down to the Southern Zone canton Pérez Zeledón after Tropical Storm Alma washed away major chunks of the road (see www.ticotimes.net/topstory.htm).

The MOPT spokesman said that workers managed to carve an emergency lane for vehicles to carry food and supplies to isolated communities particularly in Pérez Zeledón.

Some 35 machines are working on the Inter-American to get a commuter lane up and running by tomorrow or Thursday, said Segura.