Costa Rica project changing hands

The authorities in Costa Rica are transferring the concession for the San Hose-San Ramon highway. The Brazilian firm 1511 OAS is taking over the contract from 5092 Autopistas del Valle. The National Concessions Agency (866 CNC) has said that the contract will be similar to the original deal, although some additional works may be added. Extra projects are likely to include a four lane highway between Belen-Santa Ana as well as a new bridge over the Virilla River. In the 2006-2012 period, the cost of the project soared from US$240 million to the present $511 million. Work has been delayed due to a slow expropriation process as well as a lack of finance.