The Zurqui Tunnel

To get to the road to Bella Vista, you get to pass through the Zurquí Tunnel.  This tunnel was built by Kier International Limited at a cost of 190 million colones. It measures 12 meters wide, 10 meters tall, and 600 meters long.  Work began on March 16, 1983 and opened on 14 September 1984.  Back then, the exchange rate was rising rapidly with an 8 to 12 colones per dollar exchange rate.  With the completion of this tunnel, big rig trucks were able to transport goods back and forth between San José and the seaport cities Moin and Limón.  The tunnel is built on Costa Rica's Route 32 which bisects the Brauilo Carrillo National Park.  The completion of this tunnel simplified commerce and as a consequence, has improved the quality of life in Costa Rica.