A major infrastructure upgrade project in Santo Domingo is set to trigger a temporary full traffic shutdown on a key urban overpass, with local transportation authorities releasing detailed timelines and contingency context for the upcoming disruption.
The country’s Ministry of Public Works and Communications confirmed that the overpass linking two of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, Tiradentes Avenue and 27 de Febrero Avenue, will be closed to all vehicle traffic starting at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. The shutdown will extend through the weekend, with the overpass scheduled to reopen to motorists by 4:00 a.m. the following Monday.
In a public statement addressing the closure, project leaders noted that the decision to concentrate all rehabilitation work within an overnight weekend window was a deliberate strategic choice. By scheduling the entire intervention during off-peak hours, authorities aim to strike a balance between advancing critical infrastructure updates and limiting the impact of the shutdown on the city’s daily commuting routines. This timing also creates a safer working environment for construction crews carrying out rehabilitation tasks, while reducing the risk of accidents that could occur if work progressed alongside active heavy traffic.
Public works officials acknowledged that even with the carefully planned weekend timing, the temporary restriction will likely force thousands of regular drivers to adjust their travel routes over the closure period. However, they stressed that the long-term benefits of the project far outweigh the short-term inconvenience. The ongoing rehabilitation work is designed to address aging infrastructure, boost overall road safety for all users, extend the service life of the overpass, and improve the long-term functionality of this key urban connection for years to come.