Santo Domingo.- The Minister of Public Works and Communications (MOPC), Eduardo Estrella, stated that the new Plaza de la Bandera tunnel will allow for more fluid traffic on Luperón Avenue by eliminating traffic lights in that section and facilitating the passage of up to 2,500 vehicles per hour in each direction, for a total of 5,000 vehicles per hour.
During a tour of the construction site, Estrella explained that the underpass has a length of 1.2 kilometers, of which 760 meters correspond to the underground section, while the rest is developed in the open air.
The official highlighted that the infrastructure was designed with modern security systems, including cameras connected to the 9-1-1 National Emergency and Security Response System, fire-fighting equipment, nine air extractors, gas extraction systems, drainage for water management, and an emergency power plant that will guarantee its operation.
“This is a project designed with all the standards and all the safety measures,” the minister stated, noting that the tunnel also has a monitoring and control center to respond to any eventuality.
Estrella indicated that the structure has a height of six meters, which will allow the transit of large vehicles. He explained that three lanes in each direction will remain on the upper part, while four lanes will operate underneath, two in each direction, ensuring a continuous flow on Luperón.
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As part of the road reorganization, it was reported that some signalized intersections will be closed and strategic U-turns will be enabled to facilitate movement without affecting traffic continuity.
The minister also highlighted the comprehensive restoration of the Plaza de la Bandera, whose work was carried out with the advice of architect Cristian Martínez, responsible for the original design of the monument. In addition, he noted that the sculptures were recovered and a lighting system with the colors of the Dominican flag will be installed, which will be turned on during patriotic dates.
The project, which began in February 2025, was completed in approximately a year and a half, a timeframe that Estrella described as “record time,” thanks to the availability of resources and the joint work between the contracting company, private supervision, and the Ministry of Public Works.
The project represents an investment of RD$3.3 billion, financed with resources from the agreement with Aerodom.
The head of the MOPC reported that the tunnel will be inaugurated next Sunday and that, once the ceremony concludes, it will be open to traffic immediately.
Likewise, he asked for the public’s understanding during the first days of operation, considering that there will be an adaptation period to the new traffic flow. To this end, he said that personnel from the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant) and the General Directorate of Traffic and Land Transportation Safety (Digesett) will be guiding drivers in the area.
Finally, Estrella explained that this work is part of a comprehensive plan of road solutions for Greater Santo Domingo, which includes new overpasses and expansion projects for major corridors to improve mobility in the capital.
