I can't think why anyone who doesn't live in Constanza would want to drive to or from it at night - the road is too dangerous for those not used to it. However, just in case, here's some news.
The recent road improvements have been closely followed by the appearance of a new river that sprang from the mountain where it had been faced with concrete and then crossed the road, dumping slippery mud everywhere. Nothing was done to resolve this properly 9they just cleared the mud all the time with a bulldozer). So unbeknownst to anyone, the river began eating under the road. Finally,half the road fell away, leaving enough space fr single file traffic beside a deadly precipice. They've sorted the river so the road is dry and drivable. However, it's dangerously narrow. So the road directly from the motorway (El Abanico, Autpista Duarte) to Constanza is closed at night from aproximately 8pm until 7am, until further notice. We who live here (Constanza) believe they now have to build a bridge, hopefully soon.
Meanwhile, the alternative route is Jarabacoa to La Palma, thence to Constanza. The road is better now than a few weeks ago but is dangerous in places, where obvious or less obvious holes mean that it can break away if driving too near to the side. Always drive near the centre of the road unless traffic prevents it. At night, never drive faster than a speed that allows you to stop within 10 to 15 feet, as that's all the warning you'll get (if concentrating) that you are at risk of driver over an edge.
The only other drivable route (bycar) is via San jose de Ocoa but this is a 4 or more hour journey (the other two take an hour each). From Ocoa, the road forks near Constanza, to pass either Aguas Blancas (watch out for the new bar there, opening soon) or Rio Grande. The latter is a much shorter route but the winding road with a rock face on the left MUST be driven very slowly, hugging the left hand side when rounding all bends. The right hand side is a treacherous precipice (I know because I drove over it in my Hi-Luxe) with a 1km drop and precious little to prevent you falling all the way. Notwithstanding the stated risks, the route via Rio Grande is the better to take as it is much sorter and mostly easier to drive. The forget at the end is negotiable even by cars unless the river is in flood but there are always helpful locals nearby to help push you out.
Cheers.
The recent road improvements have been closely followed by the appearance of a new river that sprang from the mountain where it had been faced with concrete and then crossed the road, dumping slippery mud everywhere. Nothing was done to resolve this properly 9they just cleared the mud all the time with a bulldozer). So unbeknownst to anyone, the river began eating under the road. Finally,half the road fell away, leaving enough space fr single file traffic beside a deadly precipice. They've sorted the river so the road is dry and drivable. However, it's dangerously narrow. So the road directly from the motorway (El Abanico, Autpista Duarte) to Constanza is closed at night from aproximately 8pm until 7am, until further notice. We who live here (Constanza) believe they now have to build a bridge, hopefully soon.
Meanwhile, the alternative route is Jarabacoa to La Palma, thence to Constanza. The road is better now than a few weeks ago but is dangerous in places, where obvious or less obvious holes mean that it can break away if driving too near to the side. Always drive near the centre of the road unless traffic prevents it. At night, never drive faster than a speed that allows you to stop within 10 to 15 feet, as that's all the warning you'll get (if concentrating) that you are at risk of driver over an edge.
The only other drivable route (bycar) is via San jose de Ocoa but this is a 4 or more hour journey (the other two take an hour each). From Ocoa, the road forks near Constanza, to pass either Aguas Blancas (watch out for the new bar there, opening soon) or Rio Grande. The latter is a much shorter route but the winding road with a rock face on the left MUST be driven very slowly, hugging the left hand side when rounding all bends. The right hand side is a treacherous precipice (I know because I drove over it in my Hi-Luxe) with a 1km drop and precious little to prevent you falling all the way. Notwithstanding the stated risks, the route via Rio Grande is the better to take as it is much sorter and mostly easier to drive. The forget at the end is negotiable even by cars unless the river is in flood but there are always helpful locals nearby to help push you out.
Cheers.
