Cangrejo bridge closed due to major structural failure.

[XQT]

Just took the detour. It isnt that big a deal. Adds sometime to the trip but really not that bad. A lot of whining going on.

Great for you!
However you do not live in Montellano nor on the N. Coast.
Continuous jam in Montellano on narrow streets not made for heavy trucks and busses.

God help any resident or tourist who needs a hospital in Puerto Plata comming from Cabarete or Sosua.
You of course may enjoy the service at CMC, good luck.

You would be better qualified to report on the recent attack in Jarabacoa.
I drove through what's the fuss?
Happens all the time in the DR.

 

[cavok]

Those small streets through Montellano were never designed for a lot of heavy vehicles and high traffic volume. They'll probably be in really bad shape by the time the bridge is ever built.

 

[bob saunders]

The presidents righthand man is from Puerta Plata, so local interests probably do have the presidents ear.

 

[Ecoman1949]

The presidents righthand man is from Puerta Plata, so local interests probably do have the presidents ear.

If that was true Bob, the government should have quickly done a lot more to address the Cangrejo bridge problem. Their commitment to road infrastructure, reliable water and electricity supply, and other basic necessities on the North coast appears to be somewhere in the background.

Like many governments, they focus on the areas with the most votes. Areas beyond that are left to suck the rear teat on the government pig. When an election rolls around, they break out the paving machines, toss cash at a few festering problems, and promise everyone the world.

Governments rely on complacency and gullibility to get elected and re-elected. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see where the current president’s interests are focused. The development of AI resorts Is his top priority on the North coast. Not surprising because of his background as a resort developer. Given enough time in office, politicians will show their true colours.

 

[bob saunders]

If that was true Bob, the government should have quickly done a lot more to address the Cangrejo bridge problem. Their commitment to road infrastructure, reliable water and electricity supply, and other basic necessities on the North coast appears to be somewhere in the background.

Like many governments, they focus on the areas with the most votes. Areas beyond that are left to suck the rear teat on the government pig. When an election rolls around, they break out the paving machines, toss cash at a few festering problems, and promise everyone the world.

Governments rely on complacency and gullibility to get elected and re-elected. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see where the current president’s interests are focused. The development of AI resorts Is his top priority on the North coast. Not surprising because of his background as a resort developer. Given enough time in office, politicians will show their true colours.

He is on Twitter, send him a tweet and ask him.

 

[drstock]

The only good I can see coming from the snail's pace replacement of the bridge is that it may discourage some developers from the current over-development that is happening on the North Coast, while the infrastructure lags far behind.

 

[JD Jones]

If that was true Bob, the government should have quickly done a lot more to address the Cangrejo bridge problem. Their commitment to road infrastructure, reliable water and electricity supply, and other basic necessities on the North coast appears to be somewhere in the background.

Like many governments, they focus on the areas with the most votes. Areas beyond that are left to suck the rear teat on the government pig. When an election rolls around, they break out the paving machines, toss cash at a few festering problems, and promise everyone the world.

Governments rely on complacency and gullibility to get elected and re-elected. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see where the current president’s interests are focused. The development of AI resorts Is his top priority on the North coast. Not surprising because of his background as a resort developer. Given enough time in office, politicians will show their true colours.

Try following them on Twitter and/or IG. You clearly don't follow them now.

They have been paving roads continuously since he was elected.

They have already built hundreds of houses and given them to poor families.

He was in the Cibao yesterday giving out the keys of the first 150 of 1000 houses they are building for poor folks.

He's already given out more titles since he took office than all other presidents combined.

 

[windeguy]

It is clearly evident that the Dominican government including Abinader,
Does NOT CARE about their citizens and the collapsed bridge on the only major highway connecting
North Coast communities which also is serving the remaining few tourists arriving.

It is a testament of SHAME for the Dominican Government, demonstrating incompetence and an absence of caring for their citizens,
Which is their elected duty.
April 26 2022 to June 2023 and ongoing.

The north coast is the bastard child of the DR. Save for the cruise ports. Proof positive is the lack of bridge work.

 

[chico bill]

The north coast is the bastard child of the DR. Save for the cruise ports. Proof positive is the lack of bridge work.

Not enough votes East of Puerto Plata to excite the politicos

 

[Ecoman1949]

Not enough votes East of Puerto Plata to excite the politicos

Bingo!

 

[windeguy]

When I started going to the DR 17 years ago, Playa Dorada was my base for a period of time. I rented cars at the local Budget office next to the mall. For many winters, I drove the roads from Rio San Juan to La Isabella exploring beaches, meeting people, staying in the communities, and enjoying the DR climate. I also witnessed many changes in the Playa Dorada area.

Post Covid, It was easy to see the signs of decline on the North coast due to government neglect. I was pressured by a few of my expat friends to purchase property and move there full time. I’m glad I didn’t and many of the reasons I chose not to are based on information from posters on DR1.

The government neglect was because of a focus on the money. Cruise ports and Punt Cana are where the money is. Pedernales is the "next big thing" .
Many expats are still moving here because despite the high prices, they are still much cheaper than many other places in the world for real estate.

The Congrejo bridge debacle is just one more glaring symptom of declining infrastructure and basic services, and blatant government neglect. There were signs the bridge was becoming structurally unsound long before it collapsed The previous and current administration turned a blind eye to the warnings and it resulted in chaos. Seems like they would rather fight fires than plan long term.

Planning ahead regarding the bridge, electricity and water are not happening here on the north coast. That only happens where revenue is to be made.

 

[windeguy]

Not enough votes East of Puerto Plata to excite the politicos

It isn't just votes, it is revenue as well. Note that the revenue possibility from the Playa Bergatin project stimulated interest in the 4 lane highway between Santiago and La Grand Parada. Not that this highway will ever get done, at least the north coast got some mention, but only because of the large project at Bergantin.

 

[windeguy]

The presidents righthand man is from Puerta Plata, so local interests probably do have the presidents ear.

There is no indication this is true. Some of the President's family is in Sea Horse Ranch, but still no bridge work after a year.

Plaza one on Sosua beach is making VERY slow progress, while the beach association now marches because of the lack of a bridge.

 

[chico bill]

Face it that bridge will be lucky to be operational in late 2024.
Too bad - it is a very simple and short span.
Could have been replaced 6 weeks after removing the old one had there been real engineers and constructors working on it

 

[monfongo]

I don't know where people get the idea that the infrastructure is declining, if anything they are doing a lot more these day's than they ever have. If you were living here 20-25 yrs. ago or more you would know what i mean.

 

[XQT]

The government neglect was because of a focus on the money. Cruise ports and Punt Cana are where the money is. Pedernales is the "next big thing" .
Many expats are still moving here because despite the high prices, they are still much cheaper than many other places in the world for real estate.

Planning ahead regarding the bridge, electricity and water are not happening here on the north coast. That only happens where revenue is to be made.

I understand proximity to US and CAN.

However compare prices and standard of living with modern infrastructure and safety in,
Spain and Portugal.
Great quality and prices for real estate, the same for food and eating out.

The DR has been OK at discounted prices in the mid range or lower tourism sector.
If I pay more for food, entertainment , electricity and water why live here at a very low standard.
The real DR slaps you in your face outside of your door.
Of course the standards we are used to exist in the DR, but at a very inflated cost.

People who have disposable income are looking at value for money.
Obviously the focus is on 1-2 week AI vacations and cruise terminals which do not flush money into communities, at best limited excursions.
Conversely a lot of money could be made in different sustainable markets, real estate, business investment, long stays, retirement.

Not being capable or caring to build a bridge with a very short span on the only costal highway, is a clear testament to what the country is like.
Invest all you want into high end properties, the real DR awaits you outside.

 

[Ecoman1949]

Try following them on Twitter and/or IG. You clearly don't follow them now.

They have been paving roads continuously since he was elected.

They have already built hundreds of houses and given them to poor families.

He was in the Cibao yesterday giving out the keys of the first 150 of 1000 houses they are building for poor folks.

He's already given out more titles since he took office than all other presidents combined.

A few years before Covid hit, an expat Canadian friend of mine living in the DR worked with a Canadian firm to design an affordable ready to build casita type home. They designed a two bedroom, one bath, open kitchen, dinning, and living area bungalow type house approximately 1000 sq. ft. The house was constructed of fibreglass panels made from recycled plastic with hemp insulation sandwiched between them. Roof and side panels were insulated and yacht type solar powered vents were installed in all the rooms to create cooling convection air flow. The house foundation was on slider blocks to dissipate earthquake energy. A team of four men could erect one house in three days, including electrics and plumbing.

He had one shipped to the DR in a fifty foot shipping container and erected it on his property next to his villa as a demonstration home. It cost $5000 plus shipping. An election was on at the time and Danilo was running for a second term. My friend invited both parties to view the home and he presented them with a public housing proposal. The cost would drop as more homes were ordered due to economy of scale. He spent a lot of money wining and dining members of both political parties.

He was told the proposal would be given consideration only if he was willing to contribute significant fund to the parties. Even with that, there were no guarantees from either party the proposal would go ahead. At that point, his initiative died. It was disappointing for him and a real education for me into how business is conducted in the DR at the political level.

 

[JD Jones]

A few years before Covid hit, an expat Canadian friend of mine living in the DR worked with a Canadian firm to design an affordable ready to build casita type home. They designed a two bedroom, one bath, open kitchen, dinning, and living area bungalow type house approximately 1000 sq. ft. The house was constructed of fibreglass panels made from recycled plastic with hemp insulation sandwiched between them. Roof and side panels were insulated and yacht type solar powered vents were installed in all the rooms to create cooling convection air flow. The house foundation was on slider blocks to dissipate earthquake energy. A team of four men could erect one house in three days, including electrics and plumbing.

He had one shipped to the DR in a fifty foot shipping container and erected it on his property next to his villa as a demonstration home. It cost $5000 plus shipping. An election was on at the time and Danilo was running for a second term. My friend invited both parties to view the home and he presented them with a public housing proposal. The cost would drop as more homes were ordered due to economy of scale. He spent a lot of money wining and dining members of both political parties.

He was told the proposal would be given consideration only if he was willing to contribute significant fund to the parties. Even with that, there were no guarantees from either party the proposal would go ahead. At that point, his initiative died. It was disappointing for him and a real education for me into how business is conducted in the DR at the political level.

Sad story for your friend, but what does that have to do with them building hundreds of houses?

 

[drstock]

I don't know where people get the idea that the infrastructure is declining, if anything they are doing a lot more these day's than they ever have. If you were living here 20-25 yrs. ago or more you would know what i mean.

I don't think infrastructure has declined in the last few years, but it's not being improved nearly fast enough to keep pace with all the development going on on the North Coast. And I believe the bridge in question meant that you could travel along the main North Coast road without going through Montellano 20-25 years ago!

 

[jd426]

The north coast is the bastard child of the DR. Save for the cruise ports. Proof positive is the lack of bridge work.

Or MAYBE they assumed that NEGOTIATING with the Families who own the Land next to the Bridge would go smoothly, but they got Greedy, and now there is an Impasse.. From what we have read , if that land transaction were comleted this would be resolved .. or am I off base ?