The government is allowing traffic on the second phase of the 27 de Febrero Expressway yesterday. The overpasses start at Leopoldo Navarro Street and end at Josefa Brea St., shortly before the connection to Duarte Bridge. The third phase of the Expressway calls for the completion of the remodelling of the Duarte Bridge and construction of a new bridge as well as the expansion of Las Americas Highway. The third phase will connect with the 27 de Febrero Expressway to expedite travel to the Las Americas International Airport and cities and resort areas East of Santo Domingo. The second phase overpasses have a price tag of RD$649.6 million, according to the government. Government said the overpasses will represent savings of RD$500 million for users. Meanwhile, Santo Domingo Mayor Johnny Ventura promised to relocate the vendors under the overpass as soon as the public work is finished. Mayor Ventura (PRD) criticized that the government had inaugurated the overpass despite works pending to be completed underneath. Vendors, including many Haitians that have located their stalls under the Paris overpass near the Duarte Avenue give a detrimental Port-au-Prince-like look to that important commercial area.
