After months of only partial use, the Ministry of Public Works opened two lanes for light vehicles on the Juan Pablo Duarte Bridge in the capital city of Santo Domingo. Several lanes had been closed to traffic due to the previous authorities’ purported intention to initiate repairs on the structure.
While Public Works Minister Freddy Perez said that studies conducted by international experts have shown that it is not necessary to demolish the structure, as had been mentioned, it is in need of greater maintenance.
Perez said that one of the principal recommendations made by the professionals who inspected the Duarte Bridge was that the cement ramparts be taken away in view of their weight. He also said that the studies showed the structure that spans the Ozama River could be fortified with an investment of RD$17 million. A tender, according to Perez, will be held to select a company to oversee the repairs.