Abinader inaugurates Plaza de la Bandera tunnel, easing traffic and improving southern connectivity

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader on Sunday inaugurated the new Plaza de la Bandera tunnel and the complete renovation of the surrounding public space, a project aimed at easing traffic congestion in Greater Santo Domingo and improving connectivity with the country’s southern region.

The 1.2-kilometer, four-lane tunnel runs beneath Plaza de la Bandera, extending Gregorio Luperón Avenue and eliminating one of the capital’s busiest traffic bottlenecks. The government said the RD$3.3 billion project, financed with funds from the renegotiated Aerodom concession contract, will reduce travel times, improve road safety, and benefit an estimated 300,000 people.

Speaking at the inauguration, Abinader said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life through infrastructure that addresses everyday transportation challenges. He also emphasized that the renovation preserved the historical and symbolic significance of Plaza de la Bandera while modernizing the surrounding road network.

The president highlighted the tunnel as part of a broader strategy to strengthen connectivity with the southern provinces, alongside projects such as the Pintura overpass, the Baní and Azua bypasses, the Santo Domingo cable car expansion toward Haina, and improvements to highways linking San Cristóbal, Peravia, Azua, Barahona, and Pedernales.

Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella said construction began in February 2025 and was completed in about 18 months. Designed to accommodate up to 2,500 vehicles per hour, the tunnel is equipped with ventilation and gas extraction systems, fire suppression equipment, backup power generators, surveillance linked to the 911 emergency system, and a dedicated operations control center.