Santo Domingo.- After undergoing reconstruction following the collapse of its side walls due to heavy rains on November 18 last year, vehicular traffic resumed this Wednesday at the overpass on 27 de Febrero and Máximo Gómez avenues.
You might be interested in reading: 9 dead due to collapse of wall at 27 de Febrero and Máximo Gómez
The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) reopened the road, which had been closed for over four months. The reconstruction project, costing approximately RD$250 million pesos, included rebuilding the fallen walls, installing mooring beams, and implementing mechanical anchoring towards the bedrock to ensure enhanced safety.
Ángel Tejeda, Vice Minister of Planning and Technical Regulation, representing Minister Deligne Ascención, announced the reopening, emphasizing its importance in ensuring the safety of citizens traversing the road.
Tejeda noted that with the Holy Week holiday approaching and increased city traffic expected, the reopening of the overpass would significantly benefit the public. He assured that any remaining minor details would be addressed over the next 15 days during nighttime hours, further strengthening the structure to withstand hydrometeorological and seismic events.
The MOPC’s objective, under Minister Ascención’s leadership, is to instill confidence in the public by reinforcing various structures across the city, ensuring citizens’ safety while traveling through these overpasses.
Tejeda highlighted the engineering expertise and additional safety measures employed in the reconstruction project to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Furthermore, the MOPC announced plans to intervene in other structures along the 27 de Febrero Avenue, including the intersections with Tiradentes Avenue and Máximo Gómez and Kennedy avenues, where reinforcement work will be carried out.
Key solutions implemented in the reconstruction of the overpass include the construction of retaining walls anchored to the rock, installation of drainage lines to relieve hydrostatic pressure, monolithic structures with transverse beams, and reinforced ‘New Jersey’ type walls.
The contracting firm overseeing the project is Ingeniería Estrella, with ongoing works including debris cleaning, anchor protection completion, painting, and installation of horizontal and vertical signage. Nighttime activities and anchor protection will also continue.