 Due to a shortage of finances and natural obstacles (especially around Río Sucio), the construction of the remaining sections was delayed, and the entire line did not become operational until December 7, 1890.A contract for the building of the Pacific Railroad was signed in 1897, but again, the enterprise faced natural, financial and political difficulties.The Pacific Railroad was officially launched on July 23, 1910, when the first Pennsylvania-built steam locomotive, , named after the granddaughter of former President Rafael Iglesias, departed from Puntarenas to San José with passengers and cargo.