Punta Rucia-Puerto Plata highway nears completion after 40 years

After over 40 years of construction, the Punta Rucia-Puerto Plata highway is set to be completed and handed over to the community in the coming months, as announced by the Minister of Public Works and Communications, Deligne Ascención.

The highway originates in Villa Elisa, on the Duarte-Montecristi highway, extending to La Ensenada beach in Puerto Plata, encompassing a 23-kilometer stretch, with 14 kilometers already paved with asphalt. The remaining sections will undergo grading, followed by the application of the initial asphalt layer.

Initiated during the 12-year governance of Joaquín Balaguer from 1966 to 1978, the project remained unfinished during subsequent administrations led by Antonio Guzmán, Jorge Blanco, Joaquín Balaguer, Leonel Fernández, Hipólito Mejía, and Danilo Medina, according to historical records from local residents.

Ascención emphasized the highway’s significance, enhancing the northern part of Puerto Plata, connecting to tourism destinations such as Cayo Arena, Punta Rucia, and La Ensenada. Additionally, it serves as a crucial communication route with Santiago, the Northwest Line, Valverde, and Montecristi.

Currently, stabilization efforts are underway, starting with the construction of sidewalks within the slope to address erosion and ground conditions. Ascención highlighted the potential for landslides during rare rainfall events, emphasizing the importance of preserving the mountainous terrain, the road, and ensuring the safety of those who traverse it.