Rio Camu Bridge in Cangrejo POP Out

Tripp789 Contributor

Member since 28 April 2018

Tripp789Contributor27 April 2022 12:51:34

176

Yesterday a support of this key bridge broke and Route 5 is now closed in both directions. This blocks traffic between the POP airport and Puerto Plata.

Apparently a smaller bridge over the same river later collapsed after large trucks attempted to use it as a detour. Remaining detours are rumored to only be farm roads in rough condition.

Until the bridge is fixed and/or the back roads improved, the only way to reliably get from one side to the other is via Santiago and then to the “Moca Road” - Route 21 to Sabaneta de Yasica, then west through Sosua to the airport.

It will be interesting to see how the government handles this problem!

See also

Traveling to the Dominican Republic - Guide
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Out with 2020 and in with 2021 - 4 Replies
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Flights into POP - 1 Reply

planner Dominican Republic Expert

Member since 27 December 2010

Dominican Republic Expert

plannerDominican Republic Expert27 April 2022 13:03:24

17689

This is a pretty big deal on the north coast. I watched several videos!

For anyone in Puerto Plata getting to the airport is now a BIG deal. Lets see how fast this government can get this resolved.

snowinpalm Contributor

Member since 20 July 2020

snowinpalmContributor27 April 2022 13:03:48

113

Did you mean between POP and "Puerto Plata"? (you said Puerto Playa)

Melvin Eugene New member

Member since 08 April 2021

Melvin EugeneNew member27 April 2022 13:31:58

@Tripp789

Thank you... was wondering why all the traffic!

Karin1 Serial expat

Member since 02 June 2021

Karin1Serial expat27 April 2022 15:45:43

354

It would be helpful to know how long it now takes to get to the airport using the alternate route. For those that need to do it.

planner Dominican Republic Expert

Member since 27 December 2010

Dominican Republic Expert

plannerDominican Republic Expert27 April 2022 15:55:11

17689

Karin will depend on day and time and where you are starting from. At the moment it appears you need to go all the way around to Santiago then use the Moca road to get back to the north coast and be east of the airport!

I would say minimum 2 to 3 hours depending on day and time.

snowinpalm Contributor

Member since 20 July 2020

snowinpalmContributor27 April 2022 16:50:25

113

The Moca road is terrible right now. Normally a lot of potholes, but now they have torn up a good part of it for resurfacing the road.

Mmr986 Active member

Member since 23 August 2017

Mmr986Active member27 April 2022 21:44:44

Apparently there are 2 routes through Montellano that can bypass the bridge. One, I’m assuming that has been mentioned by TRIPP789 that is no longer functional. Has anyone managed to get through this area using the other?

planner Dominican Republic Expert

Member since 27 December 2010

Dominican Republic Expert

plannerDominican Republic Expert28 April 2022 11:20:33

17689

According to reports online they have sent in the heavy equipment to make one of these roads via Montellano viable! It's narrow and was in bad shape so if it's open expect long delays!

Tripp789 Contributor

Member since 28 April 2018

Tripp789Contributor28 April 2022 13:29:59

#10

176

Locally we’re hearing that a route is available and that it or another is being improved with Planners mentioned equipment.

Traffic does seem heavy from shared videos, but it’s moving.

Tippj Serial expat

Member since 12 February 2022

TippjSerial expat28 April 2022 13:59:29

#11

609

I guess maybe flying in and out of Santiago may be the best bet for

the time being …But I can’t see this bridge being out to long …. Like this connects the whole North coast …..🧐

J Hardyex Member

Member since 30 April 2022

J HardyexMember30 April 2022 16:03:39

#12

@planner

I made the drive from Sosua to Terre Alta in Puerto Plata, normally would take 40 minutes, now with the detour it took 2.5 hours. They were building a makeshift dam on Friday, better plan on adding an extra 2-3 hours to detour.