The Ministry of Public Works announced the closing of 43 accesses or left turns on Las Americas Highway from Juan Pablo Duarte Bridge to the Boca Chica rotunda. With the exception of authorized food and fuel transport trucks, all heavy trucks are banned from the streets from Thursday to Sunday. To ease the flow of thousands of vacationers who will travel to and from resort destinations, the government announced there will be no charge at tollbooths from Thursday, 3 to 6 pm, and Sunday from 6 am to 10 pm. Special contigents of the police, firemen, Red Cross, Civil Defense, and the Public Health Ministry will be on duty over the long holiday weekend. The Easter long weekend marks the start of the beach-going season for Dominicans. Traditionally during this holiday, Dominicans make up half of the guests lodged at resorts throughout the country. Full houses are expected at most Dominican resorts. Those traveling domestically should avoid the highways on Thursday and Sunday afternoon. (11 April 2001)
