Traffic for the commute to and from Escazú, west of San José, will take a turn for the worse this week, as the Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT) began work Thursday on the Prospero Fernández Highway at the Agres river bridge.

For a stretch of 100 meters directly east of Multiplaza Escazú shopping mall, construction will reduce traffic to one lane in each direction, with periodic closures expected as well.

MOPT advises motorists to take a detour along the old road between San José and Santa Ana, or, alternatively, the frontage road by the Plaza Itsk azú shopping center on the westbound side and the Cima Hospital on the eastbound side.

The Agres bridge is the last bridge to undergo work as the Prospero Fernández Highway expands to six lanes.

MOPT expects the construction to last five weeks, with the closures continuing 24 hours a day.