Holy Thursday exodus in Santo Domingo causing traffic congestion

Santo Domingo.- This Holy Thursday, traditionally associated with urban exodus, traffic in the city center appears relatively calm, while routes leading out of the city present challenges. By 2:00 pm, popular navigation apps indicate significant congestion on key thoroughfares serving the Dominican capital.

The Duarte Highway, particularly near Pedro Brand, experiences heavy traffic with speeds as slow as 2 kilometers per hour, especially for drivers without Fast Pass access. The congestion spans from the Juan Bosch Ring Road interchange to the toll booths, particularly noticeable in the southbound lanes.

Additional traffic builds up on the Duarte Highway, albeit to a lesser extent, stretching from the elevated section on Monumental Avenue to the entrance of Los Alcarrizos, spanning around three kilometers.

Travelers heading southwest must navigate through heavy traffic at Plaza de la Bandera on 27 de Febrero Avenue, heading towards Pintura. Waze reports average speeds of just 4 kilometers per hour in this area.

Reports also highlight usual congestion at toll booths along the Las Américas Highway, with heightened traffic conditions on elevated roads passing through Boca Chica municipality towards Los Tanquecitos.

The most substantial traffic congestion, however, occurs on the Northeast Highway towards Samaná. Delays start at the Cachón River bridge and persist beyond the initial toll booths.