Duarte Bridge is structurally sound after public concern, according to authorities

Santo Domingo.- The Commission for the Supervision of Public Infrastructure in the face of Climate Change reported that the Juan Pablo Duarte bridge, over the Ozama River, does not present structural risks for users, despite the concerns recently expressed in public opinion and on social media about its condition. In a statement addressed to the citizenry, the entity explained that, after preliminary technical evaluations carried out together with the National Office of Seismic Evaluation and Vulnerability of Infrastructure and Buildings (ONESVIE), it was determined that the visible damage corresponds to secondary elements, specifically closing masonry walls, which are not part of the main structural system of the bridge. According to the authorities, technical analyses confirm that the road infrastructure maintains adequate levels of stability and safety, which allows for its normal operation under safe conditions, ruling out any immediate danger for those who travel along this important connection route in the capital.

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Furthermore, the Commission reported that the central Government, through the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC), has an open public bidding process for the contracting of diagnostic services for several strategic bridges in the country, including the Juan Pablo Duarte and Juan Bosch bridges in Santo Domingo, as well as the Hermanos Patiño bridges in Santiago and Mauricio Báez in San Pedro de Macorís. The objective of this process is to accurately identify the necessary interventions, whether major or minor, to ensure the proper maintenance of these key infrastructures for national connectivity. The project is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and seeks to obtain high-precision technical diagnoses, supported by modern technology, that allow the implementation of more in-depth and effective preventive maintenance plans. Authorities highlighted that these studies will serve as a basis for future interventions that ensure the safety, stability, and durability of the viaducts, considered vital for transportation and the country's economic activity. Finally, the Public Infrastructure Oversight Commission on Climate Change reiterated its commitment to transparency, road safety, and timely communication, ensuring that constant monitoring of road infrastructure is maintained to preserve the tranquility and safety of the population.