Amistad bridge opens, replaces ferry service - Costa Rica

Business News Americas

April 10, 2003

(BNamericas.com) - Costa Rica's "Puente la Amistad" bridge, built by the Taiwanese government across the Tempisque river in Guanacaste province, was officially opened today (Apr.10), local news sources reported.

The 780m bridge was constructed by Taiwanese engineers RSEA for some US$27mn and will improve access to the Nicoya peninsula, a popular tourist destination on the country's Pacific coast.

Works began end-July 2000 and were originally due by December 2002.

Until now, residents have had to withstand long lines and tolls to cross the river by ferry, the report said. The crossing has now been reduced the trip from capital San Jose to Nicoya to 3.5 hrs from 5 hrs and will be cost-free. The ferry will now be closed after 30 years of service.

Local construction company Sanchez Carvajal will begin works April 20 under the direction of the public works ministry (MOPT) and RSEA to finish 11.8km of access roads, totaling US$5mn. The bridge is the region's second-largest next to Panama's 1,650m Las Americas, and is expected to provide a fillip to local tourism. Guanacaste receives some 530,000 tourists/year. - (BNamericas.com)

Copyright 2003 Financial Times Ltd.

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