The modern new bridge over the Higuamo River in San Pedro de Macoris is finished and awaiting official inauguration by the President, but has not yet been opened to traffic. Public Works Minister Freddy Perez told Listin Diario that he tried to schedule the launch for December, but the event was postponed until later this month. The bridge, some 606 meters long, cost over RD$900 million to complete. It will bring together the Autovia del Este and the San Pedro beltway and greatly ease traffic flow in the area. The opening of the Higuamo Bridge will shave off about 10 minutes for both east and westbound journeys.