The current design includes 21 pedestrian crossings over 5.8 kilometers, with nine traffic lights, one return lane, two pedestrian bridges, and nine at-grade pedestrian crossings without traffic lights.
SANTO DOMINGO.-The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) announced this Monday that, in coordination with the main representatives of the community impacted by the expansion of Coronel Rafael Fernández Domínguez Avenue, formerly the San Isidro Highway, it decided to increase the number of pedestrian crossings along the 5.80 kilometers of the road from 9 to 21, responding to the demands of representatives of neighborhood associations, merchants, transporters, and other sectors.
The Deputy Minister of Road Infrastructure, Elías Santana, in a meeting with the community, explained the improvements made to the design of the project, after including most of the modifications suggested by residents and merchants of the area.
He said the new avenue will have eight lanes: four in each direction, including two direct lanes, plus two service lanes. Nine additional crossings were included beyond those contemplated in the original design, making it a modern and safe road, in order to adapt to the residential development of the area caused by the rapid population growth of the area.
The current design includes 21 pedestrian crossings over 5.8 kilometers, with nine traffic lights, one return lane, two pedestrian bridges, and nine at-grade pedestrian crossings without traffic lights.
“We’ve modified the wall at the intersections with traffic lights to provide more space, about 1.20 meters wide, so that if a pedestrian doesn’t have time to cross the street when the light changes, they can remain safely on that median and wait for the next change,” he added.
Santana indicated that, “with these changes, the community’s demands are met. In fact, we’ve discussed them with several community representatives, and most have expressed satisfaction with the changes that have been implemented.”
“Additional crossings were included beyond those initially planned, due to community feedback, and we’ve added more traffic lights. We’re now completing a total of nine crossings,” he said.
Traffic lights will be installed on Charles de Gaulle Avenue, Penetración Street, El Progreso Street (which connects to Mendoza Avenue, Hainamosa Street, and Nuevo Amanecer Street), and in the neighborhoods of Punto Moda, Palmeras Oriental, Brisas Oriental, Residencial Amalia, Prado Oriental, and La Hípica.
The two pedestrian bridges will provide access to Infotep and the local elementary school, while the nine pedestrian crossings will be divided among those with traffic lights.
He explained that they had presented a conceptual design to the community, not a final construction plan. “When the site surveys were conducted, it was determined that the project would be too disruptive, requiring the relocation of many businesses in the area.”
“The design must be integrated with the surroundings; we tried to integrate as much as possible with the existing environment and to be as minimally disruptive as possible to avoid unnecessary expropriations,” he stated.
With the current design, some of the avenue's widths were reduced and the central island was eliminated, because another island on one of the sides, which houses the towers and mahogany trees, must be preserved.
Santana said that community members and MOPC authorities agreed to remain in communication with the commissions in order to maintain harmony around what is most convenient for passersby and community members.
Representatives from the community were present at the event, including Darlington David Marte, president of the Business Association; Francisco de Jesús Javier, president of the Neighborhood Association; Luis Ramírez, owner of the Sports Complex; África Dicent, representative of the different committees; and others.
