An item in El Siglo newspaper says that there is no time for the Fernández Government to conclude the tunnel under Las Americas Expressway. The tunnel is part of the RD$580 million expansion of the Las Americas Highway, calling for the adding of four lanes from the new Duarte Bridge to San Vicente de Paúl Avenue, a 2.7 kilometer stretch. Las Americas Expressway connects the western side of Santo Domingo with the Las Americas Airport and eastern cities and resort areas such as Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, Dominicus, Higuey and Punta Cana. Primarily the World Bank finances the project. Furthermore, Miguel Logroño, in charge of the 56 kilometer Autovia del Este, the eastbound expressway, says that construction works are 90% completed. Together both expressways should cut in half travel distance from Santo Domingo. (24 April 2000)
