The CODIA (Association of Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors) has recommended the closing of the Duarte Bridge. The leading association of engineers and architects delivered a report to the Public Works Ministry warning that even though only one lane of the bridge is being used, it is unfit for any kind of load. The report was prepared by engineers Miguel Mendez Cabral and former Public Works Minister Jaime Duran Hernando, under whose administration the bridge repair was begun. The report stresses that the lack of maintenance over the structure’s 50 years in operation has taken its toll. CODIA requested that the ministry publish the amount it has spent on the repair of the bridge.
Among the findings of the CODIA engineers, Hoy newspaper highlights the conclusion that the bridge is in an advanced state of corrosion and could even collapse. The report also revealed that six years ago the Public Works Ministry purchased brand new suspension cables, but they were not adequately stored after arriving at the Port of Haina in March 1998. The manufacturer specified that the cables had to be installed within a year of arrival, which was not the case.
The Duarte Bridge is one of four main bridges over the Ozama River, linking East and West Santo Domingo. The maintenance of the Duarte Bridge was begun at the same time as a newer bridge was contracted. While the Juan Bosch Bridge was inaugurated last year, the works to repair its predecessor, whose costs were comparable to those to build the new bridge, were not performed on schedule.