With only six months to the deadline to complete the expansion of the Cañas-Liberia section of the Interamericana Norte (Ruta 1), the Consejo Nacional de Vialidad (CONAVI) – the national roads authority – confirms that the work is only 55% complete.
The contract calls for the Empresa FCC to expand the 50 kilometres section of the highway from two lanes to four by May 15, 2014.
In their report, the CONAVI says that by August the work had advanced to a 48% completion. From there on, the progress has only be another 7%.
According to a CONAVI press spokesperson, disbursements to the contractor are made using estimates of work actually performed, in accordance with quality certificates presented, less any deductions provided for in the contract. Non-compliance and not meeting quality parameters are part of the deductions.
The FCC has now to scurry to complete the 45% of the 50.6 kilometres of road work that commenced in May 2012.
During a drive-by last week, we can see than only 20 kilometres of road has its concrete slab and parts of the remaining 30 not even the weeds have been removed, let alone any concrete.
The CONAVI says that the only delays permitted to extend the delivery date are situations beyond the control of the contractor, like rain, for example. To date no extentions have been asked for.
In response to a query by La Nacion, the FCC said through a press agent, that in the first of October it added a second concrete plant and second paving team, which will expedite the process of laying the slab
“The plant is owned by FCC and is already installed in Cañas. It will double concrete production, with a capacity to yield 220 cubic metres per hour, while the first plant in Bagaces only has a 120 cm/h capacity”, said the press agent statement.
Edilex (the press agent) added that the new concrete plant will accelerate construction and is expected to delivery the road on time, save for the ancillary construction of bus bays, bicycle path and pedestrian bridges. See “Completed” and “Finished” Means Two Very Different Things In Costa Rica
Source: La Nacion
