Dominican Republic’s Amber Highway to Cut Travel Time and Boost Economy

The 32.7‑kilometre Autopista del Ámbar will link Santiago and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, cutting the travel corridor from about 90 minutes to roughly 30 minutes. The four‑lane, 100 km/h design includes two tunnels (1.8 km and 0.7 km) to preserve the Sierra Septentrional’s ecosystems. The project, funded at RD$28.8 billion, is part of President Luis Abinader’s national connectivity programme and has backing from Vice President Raquel Peña and Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella.

Engineer Teodoro Tejada emphasized the highway’s potential to reduce the region’s historically high accident rate and improve safety for commuters. Senator Daniel Rivera highlighted expected benefits for tourism, commerce, health services, industry, agriculture and poultry production, as well as fuel savings and broader economic growth for the northern Cibao region and neighboring provinces.

Both officials said the new route will enhance competitiveness, stimulate commercial exchange, and support sustainable development across the north of the country.