Dominican Republic launches $250 million Artibonito River bridge project

Defense Minister Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre and Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella inaugurated the construction of a new bridge over the Artibonito River in Guayajayuco, Pedro Santana, El ías Piña. The project, financed with more than RD$250 million and built by the company Hierro under Inter‑American Development Bank supervision, is part of the government’s “Frontera Fuerte” initiative to strengthen border infrastructure.

The bridge is designed for heavy‑vehicle traffic and aims to keep cross‑border traffic on Dominican territory, eliminating the need to use the Tiroli crossing on the International Highway. Governors Severina Gil Carreras (Dajabón) and Migdali de los Santos (El ías Piña) highlighted the expected benefits for over 30 communities and hundreds of families, describing the work as a historic step for the region. Community leaders also requested that the road linking Dajabón and El ías Piña be paved to complement the bridge’s impact.