The Ministry of Public Works has begun the expansion of the Maimon-Puerto Plata highway to increase it to four lanes. The highway will improve traffic flow from the new Carnival Cruise Amber Cove cruise ship port to the city of Puerto Plata and other northern tourist attractions. Public Works Minister Gonzalo Castillo says that the Maimon-Navarrete section of the highway will also be extended to four lanes. The cruise port will be inaugurated on 6 October 2015. The expansion will increase road safety and reduce driving time.