Workers begin installation of new bridge on route between San Ramon and La Fortuna; could be ready next week

(MOPT for ICR News)

November 18^th, 2015 (ICR News) Workers have begun installing a new “Bailey” bridge to replace a similar bridge that collapsed last Thursday morning on Route 702 between San Ramon and La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the Arenal Volcano.

Authorities said that the new bridge could be open to motorists some time next week.

The previous structure collapsed on Thursday, November 12^th as two fully loaded dump trucks attempted to cross the bridge at the same time.

The two dump trucks were both carrying full loads of asphalt, authorities said, which may have been close to double the weight capacity of the bridge when combined.

The drivers of the two dump trucks, as well as a motorcyclist who was also on the bridge at the same time, suffered only minor injuries in the incident.

The previous structure – as well as its replacement – are a type of bridge known as a “Bailey” bridge, a type of modular, easy-to-assemble bridge commonly used by militaries in other countries as temporary bridges during emergencies or in war zones, though they have often been used as long-term structures in Costa Rica over the years.

In fact, there are more than 100 Bailey bridges installed throughout the country, some of which have been in place as long as 30 years, according to roads authority, CONAVI.

The bridge that collapsed last Thursday had been in place for nearly seven years, since the 2009 Cinchona earthquake.

Many large buses, including buses filled with tourists pass over the bridge daily.

CONAVI said last week that the replacement of the structure would cost some US $200,000, though did not rule out that parts of the existing structure could be recycled as part of the newly installed Bailey bridge.

Meanwhile, residents of La Fortuna must travel via Ciudad Quesada to reach the Central Valley, a detour of more than 40 kilometers in most cases.

The bridge, often referred to by those in the area as the Cataratas bridge, is located some 30 minutes from downtown San Ramon on the way to La Fortuna.

Almost three years ago to the day, another Bailey bridge located on the busy General Canas Highway in San Jose collapsed after a large crane that well exceeded the bridges’ weight capacity attempted to cross the structure.  The November, 2012 collapse caused traffic chaos, even forcing authorities to cancel school in many areas of San Jose for several days and increase train service.