Dominican Minister Announces Baní Ring Road Nears Completion

Deligne Ascensión, the Dominican Minister of Public Works, has announced that the Baní ring road project is 90% complete and is on track for delivery by December 2024. This significant infrastructure project aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the Baní area.

Why this matters: The completion of the Baní ring road project will have a significant impact on the region's development, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion. This will lead to increased economic activity, development, and benefits for residents, commuters, and businesses in the surrounding areas.

During an inspection at the Duarte Highway Km 9 intersection point, Ascensión confirmed that the project is expected to be finished in 90 days, by the end of August 2024. The government has invested RD$1.25 billion in the intersection roadworks to enhance mobility for approximately 150,000 vehicles that commute daily through the Km 9 road distributor.

The completion of the Baní ring road is anticipated to bring significant improvements to the region. The 19.60 km Avenida Circunvalación de Baní will reduce driving time between Santo Domingo and Barahona from up to an hour to two hours. This bypass will connect with the previously completed Azua bypass, further facilitating smoother traffic flow.

Ascensión expressed optimism about the project's progress, stating, "Finally, we are seeing the light at the end of the road." The project, contracted to Ecosisa and Compañía Estrella, began in November 2020. Initially, it was set for completion in September 2021, but the date was revised multiple times to 2022 and later 2023.

The Baní ring road project is expected to have a substantial impact on the region's development. By reducing travel time and easing congestion, it will encourage increased economic activity and development in the surrounding areas. The improved infrastructure is set to benefit residents, commuters, and businesses alike.

Ascensión has advised travelers to avoid peak times to minimize long bottlenecks caused by ongoing construction near the project's final stages. The Ministry of Public Works remains committed to delivering the finished product by the end of 2024, ensuring a smoother and more efficient transportation network for the region.

Key Takeaways

• Baní ring road project is 90% complete, expected to finish by December 2024.
• The project will reduce travel time between Santo Domingo and Barahona from 1-2 hours to under 1 hour.
• The 19.60 km Avenida Circunvalación de Baní will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
• The project has received an investment of RD$1.25 billion to enhance mobility for 150,000 daily vehicles.
• The finished project will boost economic activity, development, and benefits for residents, commuters, and businesses.