SANTO DOMINGO.-The Ministry of Public Works announced this Thursday that, by mutual agreement with the contracting firm, it will close the Duarte Bridge to vehicular traffic on Friday, September 2, Saturday, September 3, and Sunday, September 4, in order to proceed with the pouring of grout (a very fluid and self-leveling material) in 11 joints located in the center of the structure.
Grout is a very fluid, self-leveling material used to fill foundations, anchors, and small spaces. It is also used in post-tensioned concrete structures to fill cable cavities.
The Deputy Minister of Road Maintenance, engineer Mélito Santana Rincón, announced that the bridge will be closed from 9:00 pm until 6:00 am.
Responding to a request from the firm Pinsa, Santana Rincón explained that closing the bridge is more favorable for applying the concrete pour, because the structural conditions of the bridge generate many vibrations with the passage of vehicles, and because of the temperature issue.
“To ensure a good job when it comes to emptying the grout, the technicians recommended closing the bridge during the time when the emptying is carried out,” he explained.
Since mid-July of this year, the Duarte bridge has been undergoing the replacement of expansion joints, resurfacing of the asphalt layer, placement of asphalt, horizontal and vertical signage, and maintenance of its railings.
On that occasion, the Minister of Public Works, Deligne Ascensión, explained that the repair of the structure is a necessity due to the accumulated deterioration in recent years.
Prior to the start of the works, Public Works reported that the alternate routes for vehicles traveling west-east are the 27 de Febrero, Doctor Delgado, and Mexico avenues, crossing towards Santo Domingo East, through the Ramón Matías Mella bridge, which can take Josefa Brea street, joining Mexico Avenue, crossing towards SDE.
Also, Rafael Atoa and Josefa Brea streets, joining towards Mexico Avenue, crossing towards Santo Domingo East through the Mella Bridge; Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó with Juan Parra Alba Street and Isabel la Católica, joining towards Mexico, crossing towards the eastern part through the Mella Bridge, and Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó Avenue-Floating Bridge.
Likewise, for vehicles traveling east-west, the routes to use are Club Rotario, Juan Luis Duquela and Rosario streets; Malecón Avenue towards the Floating Bridge, crossing into the National District through it.
The streets Club Rotario, Juan Luis Duquela and Rosario; the avenues Malecón, España, 25 de Febrero, crossing towards the National District through the Ramón Matías Mella bridge.
Source: Diario Libre
