The Mejia government will invest RD$800 million to expand the Avenida George Washington (the Malecon) from Avenida Abraham Lincoln to Calle 19 de Marzo. Three express lanes will be added and the present sidewalk area turned into a central boulevard, engineer Oneximo Gonzalez, director of the Metropolitan Transport Authority told El Siglo newspaper. He said Spanish funds will be used. After the expansion, the Malecon will have seven lanes, four going East-West and three West-East. Gonzalez also mentioned the government is about to give a concession to a private company for the construction of a bypass from Cruce de Manoguayabo, Duarte Highway, Avenidas Maximo Gomez and Jacobo Majluta through to Km. 14 of Haina passing through the back part of the El Higuero Airport (Villa Mella) on to San Isidro and the Las Americas Expressway in eastern Santo Domingo. The bypass would allow those heading East to go around the city, thus reducing traffic congestion. (4 May 2001)
