The road improvements in Pintura and Plaza de la Bandera have already been completed, while projects are underway on República de Colombia and Luperón avenues, among other interventions
SANTO DOMINGO – The government has contracted approximately US$480 million in projects financed with funds obtained through the renegotiation of the Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom) contract. Of these initiatives, some infrastructure projects have already been completed, while others remain under construction, as reported by President Luis Abinader and Minister of Public Works Eduardo Estrella during a press conference held this Wednesday at the National Palace.
During the press conference held this Wednesday at the National Palace, the authorities offered an assessment of the road solutions, the stormwater drainage systems and the paving programs included in the agreement, in addition to specifying the work that still needs to be completed and the commitments made with Aerodom.
In that context, Abinader explained that the presentation responds to the purpose of making transparent the destination of the resources obtained through the agreement signed in 2024 and keeping citizens informed about the development of the works.
Painting and Plaza de la Bandera, among the completed works
Among the main completed infrastructure projects is the road solution of Isabel Aguiar Avenue with the extension of 27 de Febrero Avenue, in the area known as Pintura, whose execution required an investment of RD$2,558 million.
Also inaugurated was the intervention in the Plaza de la Bandera, which includes an overpass on Luperón Avenue and represented an outlay of RD$3.35 billion.
According to Estrella, both structures contribute to speeding up traffic and reducing congestion at these strategic points in the capital.
Luperón stormwater drainage project continues under construction
Meanwhile, the stormwater drainage system along Luperón Avenue, from the Malecón to John F. Kennedy Avenue, remains under construction. This initiative aims to improve stormwater runoff in this corridor and surrounding areas.
Estrella explained that the work is progressing through tunnel excavation, with an approximate rate of five meters per day. She also indicated that they plan to add another machine to open a new work area and accelerate the construction process.
Regarding the budget, the first phase is allocated approximately RD$2.4 billion, while the second phase has an allocation of around RD$5.3 billion. Of the initial allocation, RD$134 million had already been disbursed, according to the official.
The plan presented establishes a period of 18 months to complete this infrastructure, considered necessary to respond to the drainage problems that affect different sectors of Santo Domingo.
Avenida República de Colombia requires an investment of RD$11.4 billion
The road improvement project on República de Colombia Avenue is one of the largest projects within the program. Its estimated cost is RD$11.4 billion, of which more than RD$3.3 billion has already been paid, according to the Minister of Public Works.
The design includes overpasses, trenches, U-turns, and other structures intended to improve traffic flow. It also includes the construction of a bridge over the Hondo stream and the development of a park of approximately 24,000 square meters, in addition to the National Botanical Garden.
Similarly, the interventions include connections with Jacobo Majluta, Pérez Ricart and Los Próceres avenues, with the aim of facilitating travel in that area.
Regarding the timeline, Estrella indicated that the complete project is scheduled for December 2027. However, authorities are working to open some sections during the first quarter of that year, depending on the progress of the work.
A grade-separated intersection will connect Sabana Perdida with La Victoria
Another project underway is the overpass on Charles de Gaulle Avenue, connecting Sabana Perdida and La Victoria. This infrastructure aims to improve traffic flow near the last station of the Santo Domingo Cable Car.
Regarding its execution, the minister specified that the contract amounts to RD$1.3 billion and that up to the time of the report, RD$132 million had been paid.
The work includes relocating aqueduct pipes and installing pilings, among other activities necessary for construction. According to the presented schedule, completion is planned for the end of 2027.
With this intervention, the Government seeks to alleviate the traffic difficulties that affect the residents of these sectors of the Santo Domingo province.
Paving: progress in Santo Domingo East and pending work in Boca Chica and La Caleta
Regarding road improvements, Estrella reported that paving work has been carried out in various communities in Santo Domingo Este, while coordination continues to complete the planned interventions in Boca Chica and La Caleta.
The official explained that, in these last two locations, progress has depended on coordination with the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (Inapa), due to the sanitary sewer works and other tasks that must be carried out before placing the asphalt layer.
Between 2024 and October 2026, the amount spent on paving commitments in those areas was between RD$4.5 billion and RD$4.8 billion, according to figures provided during the presentation.
The minister also mentioned Las Damas Avenue in Santo Domingo East, where work is underway that includes expropriation processes. The project aims to improve east-west road connectivity within the municipality.
Aerodom must complete airport improvements and a new terminal
In addition to public infrastructure, Abinader addressed commitments that directly correspond to Aerodom, including the modernization of the current facilities at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) and the construction of a new terminal.
The president noted that the terminal's structure, located south of the existing facilities, was already showing visible progress. Meanwhile, the completion of the new runway was scheduled for the end of November 2026.
These actions are part of the obligations linked to the renegotiation of the Aerodom contract and complement the investments in public infrastructure contemplated in the agreement.
The government will monitor the execution of the resources
Finally, the authorities indicated that they will continue to provide information on the amounts invested, the payments made, and the status of each project related to the contract renegotiation.
The report presented during the Weekly Press Conference allowed for a differentiation between completed projects, such as the road solutions in Pintura and Plaza de la Bandera, and those that still require work for their completion, including the drainage of Luperón Avenue, the intervention in República de Colombia, and the overpass between Sabana Perdida and La Victoria.
In this way, the Government seeks to maintain transparency regarding the use of resources and to monitor the commitments made through the agreement with Aerodom.
