The Ministry of Public Works and Transportations (MOPT) will begin this Monday, February 19 with the establishment of security devices in 91 train intersections located in the areas of Pavas -San José- Curridabat, Heredia-San José and San José-Cartago.

Engineer German Valverde, Minister of Public Works, explained that they expect these devices will force drivers to be more respectful of the train’s right of way and are made aware of its presence with the hopes that this helps reduce the number of traffic accidents involving the train and other vehicles.

“This project has the objective of considerably improving traffic safety conditions with which the trains operate in the city, by working on conflictive points where there are level crossings with national roads”, said Valverde.

In all, 42 traffic lights will be installed at different points of the Pavas-Curridabat and San José-Heredia trails and an additional 49 in the route from San Jose to Cartago; also, safety automatic barriers and vertical signs that should help alert drivers and pedestrians of the presence of the train.

The total investment in this project amounts to almost US $8 million and it’s expected to take several months to be completed.

Last year there were more than 100 accidents involving the trains in Costa Rica.