SANTIAGO -For the first time on a highway in the country, as a safety measure adapted to the times, the so-called "rumble strips" were placed on the lines that delimit the lane, or the promenade as it is known, which are nothing more than a series of incisions introduced into the asphalt that, in case the driver falls asleep, can alert him so that he can avoid an accident.
This refers to the Northern Ring Road in Santiago, whose reconstruction, upgrades, beautification, and expansion were inaugurated yesterday in a ceremony led by President Luis Abinader. It was carried out by the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) with an investment exceeding RD$1.2 billion.
The Minister of Public Works, Deligne Ascensión Burgos, stated that the project is part of the investment plan he has named the "Urban Accessibility Plan of the Heart City," which aims to facilitate the integration of traditional and residential neighborhoods in Santiago.
He explained that the reconstruction of the North Ring Road includes milling and replacement of 24 kilometers of four-inch compacted asphalt, in addition to the construction of 19 marginal roads and integration ramps with a total length of 14.2 kilometers.
He explained that the road provides access to the communities of Las Palomas, Limonal, Los Castillos, Monte Adentro, Don Pedro, Los Rieles, Jacagua, Los Cocos, Los Guineos, La Delgada, and Palmar, which previously lacked adequate road access. He said that this will improve accessibility for all these communities and important avenues, helping to alleviate traffic congestion on Santiago's main streets.
He stated that with these high engineering standards, the MOPC is continuing the Duarte Highway remodeling project from Santo Domingo to Monte Cristi
Abinader criticizes past administration
If he had been in power during normal times, the investments would have been different, declared President Luis Abinader yesterday in Santiago de los Caballeros, criticizing the fact that in past administrations, Santiago did not even receive back the 20 percent that it had contributed.
Abinader spoke after completing the first day of a two-day agenda in this city, on the occasion of the 179th anniversary of the historic feat of the Battle of March 30.
Historic Center
Then, the president attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the start of the work on the Historic Center of Santiago, a project that will include the complete renovation of Del Sol Street and the restoration of buildings with heritage value and facades in the urban center, with an investment exceeding RD$1.2 billion.
According to the data provided, the intervention includes the renovation of Del Sol and Benito Monción streets, the underground wiring in these roads, as well as the Cultural Center.
It also includes the remodeling and enhancement of Casa de Arte, the headquarters of the Monumental Heritage and the Council for the Development of the Historic Center of Santiago, and the intervention of 183 facades.
Abinader highlighted the importance of the intervention in the Historic Center of Santiago as a form of attraction and leisure for the people of Santiago.
“Just as we have the Colonial Zone, this is the area we should prioritize in Santiago. We have to beautify this Historic Center, and that is what we are doing, because for me this is the first of many projects to come,” he said.
He asked contractors to take into account working in the proper manner and in phases, so that space can be opened up and the commercial sector is interrupted as little as possible.
He said that when the work is completed, he and his family hope to take a tour of the renovated Historic Center.
The president took advantage of his tour of Santiago to have lunch with members of the Civil Defense.
