SANTO DOMINGO.-The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) reported yesterday, Sunday, that work continues at a good pace on the overpass at Máximo Gómez and Avenida 27 de Febrero, where the slabs of the western exit of the structure collapsed in November of last year, causing the death of 9 people.
According to Roberto Herrera, Deputy Minister of Supervision and Oversight, work is currently underway on the demolition and removal of the remains of the failed wall and on the excavation for the foundation of the new diaphragm wall
According to the official, the tensile strength of the anchors installed is three times greater than the maximum allowable load, and that is why work is also being done on drilling and installing deep drains to relieve hydrostatic pressures
According to a press release from the entity, other work carried out by the MOPC, through the company in charge of the execution of the work, is the excavation and placement of the reinforcement and stability anchors of the wall.
Roberto Herrera also reported that a night shift is maintained, in addition to the work done during the day, in order not to impede traffic in the area.
The deputy minister stated that the work of extracting concrete cores for drainage and anchoring has been intensified to expedite the work in order to complete it within the planned timeframe.
He said that work is also underway to replace the existing New Jersey barrier with a new, improved, and reinforced one, and that better fixing methods have been implemented to ensure the safety of users.
He stated that, although the costs of the project have skyrocketed compared to the initial construction budget, President Luis Abinader and Minister Deligne Ascención have spared no effort to successfully complete the project.
The official reported that to prevent future accidents like the one that occurred on November 18 of last year, the New Jersey walls will be joined to the upper slab.
He assured that these works will be delivered to the population in the second week of April of this year.
Herrera produced the information during a conference entitled: "Actions on the overpass of 27 de Febrero Avenue with Máximo Gómez Avenue" which he offered within the framework of the anniversary week celebration that the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors (CODIA) held for its 61st year.
Herrera received a certificate of recognition from the CODIA board as a keynote speaker and for the contributions he has made from the Ministry to Dominican society and the College.
