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Route 5 delays because of Bridge Closure west of Puerto Plata Airport

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windeguy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5188gq4Tmm0&t=498s

windeguy
planner
Reports have come out that the bridge needs a complete rebuild.

This bypass is a small road previously used by locals only. Looks like a decent job done very quickly. I hope it stands up!
windeguy

Governor of POP Province:

(English then Spanish original)
NOTICE | The Civil Governor of Puerto Plata announced that the Ministry of Public Works will enable lightweight vehicles to cross the bridge in Cangrejo, Puerto Plata within approximately 8 to 10 days.
Meanwhile, the alternative route which is already being worked on will be made ready in advance of this for heavy vehicles to pass.
The representative of the Executive Powers, Claritza Rochette, stated that by order of the President, Luis Abinader, and in collaboration with Minister Deligne Ascención funds have been assigned to work on the design and construction of a new structure.
Rochette pointed out that the alternative route is now over 90 % complete, allowing vehicle traffic to return to normal.
Communication and Press Office of the Governor of Puerto Plata
planner
Great info. Thanks
Tripp789
We traveled from Sosua to POP Saturday and returned Sunday, staying overnight as we were unsure of what we would find!

They are making good progress on the new road, widening it in many areas and actually building a bridge/dam in one area at almost frightening speed for the Dominican!

One thing the videos do not show is that they are stopping traffic in one direction while it clears coming the other way. Thus depending on your timing, the trip could be 30-40 minutes longer if you miss the cutoff.  Perhaps at some point this may not be the case, however some roads are narrow and can’t be widened.

It took us almost 2 hours going but only an hour and 20 minutes returning the next day.
planner
And from what I have seen this road is in jeopardy if the north coast gets heavy rains!
Karin1
Hello.

If I understand this right, they are frantically trying to repair this but a the same time, I read the airport will be closed for 10 days in May, but not sure what dates.


Puerto Plata's Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) will be closed in May 2020 for 10 days for the first phase of airport improvements. The airport will be closed for maintenance and expansion works on the runway. The works will prepare the runway for larger aircraft.

---------------  UPDATE....  oops, this says 2020 ..........how come its showing up on Dominicana Today when its 2  years old news.  jajajajaja
planner
That is something else entirely.  The airport is doing major runway repairs.
Mmr986
Just drove through the detour today(Tuesday). 30 minutes to Puerto Plata at 6 am. 90 minutes on return trip at 9:30 am. A lot more traffic at that time as well as an ambulance trying to get through with its lights and siren.The road itself was in good condition considering the circumstances. Not to bad but certainly nothing I would want to do five times a week.
planner
Thanks for the first hand account!
WillieWeb
Airport closure is May 9-19.....2022.....Monday !
Karin1
So POP is closing this year (on Monday).  Does this mean it is closed entirely because then there is more time to get this bridge/road repaired with much less traffic.
planner
No your assumptions are wrong. Airport closed 10 days for repairs and was scheduled long ago.

The road traffic has very little to do with the airport really.  There is one main road along the north coast and that's it.  Now they have a shortish detour and there are two much longer detours around this particular bridge.
Tripp789
Made the trip again today from Cabarete to PLaya Dorada.  The detour was very short early this morning (6:45) and only 10-15 minutes longer coming back around 12:30.

There are fewer police assisting even though they are still pushing a lot of dirt around. Some parts of the road are not very wide and I anticipate some issues from over aggressive drivers jamming up these areas in their frenzy to hurry home so they can sit in a plastic chair.

Heard again that light cars will be allowed to use the bridge starting Monday. We’ll see!
windeguy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont … e=emb_logo



Bridge is open to light traffic in both directions.

Melvin Eugene
Just came from Puerto Plata to Sosua Abajo.  The main bridge is open in both directions for light vehicles (sedans and pickups, etc...). Buses, trucks, and larger vehicles still need to take the detour. There's barriers attached to the bridge on both ends to prevent larger vehicles from passing. People who are riding the buses are still being dropped off at one end of the bridge and walking across to get on an awaiting bus.

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