Santo Domingo.- The Government will build a tunnel from the Ortega y Gasset with 27 de Febrero intersection to Santo Tomás de Aquino street, in the University Zone, as part of a  project which includes several overpasses in the capital.

Public Works minister Victor Diaz Rúa said the construction of the one-kilometer tunnel, designed for a vehicular speed of up to 80 KPH, won’t pose any danger to the structures built in that area of the city. He said the excavation begins next week with crew working 24 hours.

Diaz Rúa said Public Works opted for the tunnel and discarded the construction of an elevated road in that intersection, because it would affect numerous properties in the zone.

The official stressed that the equipment to be used in the tunnel is the same used in the Santo Domingo Metro. He said the Transport Reform Office is in charge of the tunnel, whereas Public Works will build the “trumpet” shape overpass.