A raised road section near Hostos Park on the Santo Domingo sea-fronting Malecon boulevard has reduced collisions but drivers complain of congestion, Diario Libre reports. The extension of the access and exit ramps for the elevated speed reducers installed last week by authorities in front of Eugenio María de Hostos Park apparently have led to smoother traffic in the area, Adalberto de la Rosa reports for Diario Libre.
Vehicles, including those with low chassis, are reportedly no longer scraping the pavement as they were before, reducing the negative reactions from drivers. The raised platform, constructed at the same level as the sidewalks, remains in place.
De la Rosa reports that international standards for traffic calming measures of this type set a maximum height of 12 centimeters (4.7 inches). By leveling the structure with the sidewalk, pedestrians are left unprotected from vehicles due to the absence of curbs. Curbs serve the dual purpose of channeling storm drainage and acting as a protective barrier.
Authorities claim the structure was built flush with the sidewalks to facilitate safe crossing for people with disabilities. Despite this stated intention, the platform measures 12 inches (30.48 cm) high at its northern end and eight inches (20.32 cm) at its southern end.
The initial excessive height of the roadway had caused rejection and worsened the traffic jams. While some drivers now report that their vehicles no longer bottom out, tensions remain as many still complain about persistent congestion in both directions. Others simply reject the installation entirely.
Water drainage has also improved as the four-inch pipe previously placed on the curb has been removed.
The National Institute of Transit and Terrestrial Transport (Intrant) plans other interventions on the Malecón. So far, only the elevated roadway in front of Hostos Park and, in some locations such as near the Jaragua hotel, rumble strips have been installed.
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Diario Libre
16 December 2025