Free tolls for Easter weekend

SantoDomingo.- President Danilo Medina has ordered the toll stations onthe 6 de Noviembre, Duarte and Las Americas highways to be opened as of noon Thursday toease traffic flow to the country’s provinces during the Easter break. Themeasure, which does not apply to the tolls on the Coral or Samaná highways, will remain in effect until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Public Works Minister Gonzalo Castillo said that byopening the tolls the government would not receive approximately RD$2 millionper day, for a total of RD$8 million over the four days that the measure is inforce.

After a meeting with the president, Castillo said thatif there were any congestion problems beyond the established timeframe, thetoll opening period could be extended.

“President Danilo Medina has given us strictinstructions to take the necessary measures to prevent any situation that might lead to mourning and pain for Dominican families during Easter Week,” said Castillo.

The minister said that during the break they would bestrengthening road security between Santo Domingo and Pedernales, Santo Domingoand Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo and Uvero Alto.

He said that road rescue patrols would also bereinforced with 26 additional units to the 32 that patrol the highways on aregular basis. The minister recalled that as of noon on Thursday heavy vehicles were banned from travel and that permits would be issued for any exceptions.