Dominican President Inspects Tunnel Project to Ease Santo Domingo Traffic

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader visited a major tunnel construction site under Santo Domingo's Plaza de la Bandera on Tuesday night, part of an ongoing effort to modernize the capital's road network and alleviate severe traffic congestion.

The tunnel, located at the intersection of Gregorio Luperón and 27 de Febrero avenues, aims to create a continuous north-south traffic flow, addressing one of the capital's most congested points.

This approximately 1.02-kilometer (0.63-mile) tunnel features two lanes in each direction and is expected to significantly improve urban mobility for hundreds of thousands of daily commuters. It integrates with an existing overpass at the extension of 27 de Febrero and Isabel Aguiar, forming a comprehensive traffic solution.

Speaking during the inspection, the president highlighted the government's progress on several major infrastructure projects. He announced the upcoming inauguration this Friday of the Dr. José Francisco Peña Gómez Ecological Avenue, which will serve as a second eastern entrance into Santo Domingo, designed to enhance vehicular flow into the city.

Abinader also noted ongoing upgrades to other key access routes, including significant advancements on República de Colombia Avenue, which will be gradually opened. He projected that these new road solutions would be fully operational by the second quarter of next year, substantially improving traffic fluidity.

The president also provided updates on mass transit initiatives. He mentioned the extension of the Santo Domingo cable car system, with service to Pintura anticipated by late next year and to the Botanical Garden by the end of 2027. Additionally, he reported that the Santiago monorail project is in an advanced stage of development.

During his 9:30 p.m. visit, Abinader received explanations on the project's progress from Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella, along with engineers and site managers. He personally observed the construction's advancement and reaffirmed the tunnel's critical role in decongesting traffic in the city's southwest and enhancing residents' quality of life.

The government's supervision underscores its commitment to developing modern infrastructure, fostering progress and connectivity across the country. Officials expect the tunnel to be fully delivered sometime next year.