SANTO DOMINGO.-Three of the 45 joints of the Duarte Bridge show deterioration, a fact for which the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) reported yesterday that it has issued a warning to the company Proyectos Industriales (Pinsa), because the structure continues to show cracks in the joints, one month after they were to be repaired.
According to Diario Libre, the cracks are most evident in one of the joints, where part of the concrete layer that forms it has lifted and metal bars of the structure can be seen.
In others, small cracks are visible, indicating damage from vehicles using the bridge to travel from the National District to the municipality of Santo Domingo East, the media outlet reports.
In a press release from the Communications Department of the state entity, it was explained that the contracting company was asked to immediately and permanently assume the repair of the joints, some of which have deteriorated again after the company carried out repairs last March.
Source: Diario Libre.
Public Works explained that it is imposing heavy administrative sanctions on those responsible for failing to prevent the deterioration from recurring so soon after the last repair.
In the press release, he states that he reserves the right to take legal action against the contracting company, and that he is requesting studies that will ensure a more lasting and effective repair.
He stated that the Duarte Bridge is a structure that dates back more than 68 years, during which time it has undergone various repairs, and that this time the Ministry is ensuring that the work is of the quality that its users deserve.
Public Works apologized for any inconvenience the setback may cause and pledged to take all necessary measures to preserve the use of the project without affecting the safety of citizens.
He explained that the new repair will not cost the Ministry anything, since the deterioration is the responsibility of the contracting company.
The ebb and flow of a disorder
The first detection of the cracks occurred a month after the bridge was completely closed to correct problems in the joints, this being the second time since the first work was done that faults were detected a few days after it was completed.
This last repair was done from 9:00 pm on Friday the 17th until 5:00 am on Monday the 20th of March.
Prior to this closure, just a few days after the initial work was completed, the project had to be reworked because faults were detected.
The new work began on December 6th, from 9:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Sunday.
Sources: MOPC Communications Department/Diario Libre.
