The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) of the Dominican Republic has launched an international public tender for the design, construction, assembly, and commissioning of a new bascule bridge over the Ozama River in Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic. The project carries a base budget of approximately US$71.5 million (RD$4.5 billion). Bids for both technical and financial proposals must be submitted by 10 March, 2026.

This marks the second time this project has gone to tender. An earlier international tender issued in February 2025 did not result in an award.

The new bridge is needed due to the rapid increase in traffic across Greater Santo Domingo – currently around 410,000 vehicles per day, peaking at approximately 37,000 per hour. The existing floating bridge is experiencing advanced structural deterioration and limited capacity, causing severe congestion and safety concerns. The bascule bridge will relieve traffic pressure, enhance mobility, and improve safety for road users and river traffic alike.

With an operational design life of 100 years, the bridge will be located 80m south of the current floating bridge, running parallel to it. It features a bascule design to allow navigation of boats, yachts, tugs, barges, and other vessels between the Ozama and Isabela rivers.

The tender also includes contracting a consulting firm for project supervision, with a base budget of RD$288.9 million (approximately US$4.6 million).

The existing floating bridge over the River Ozama (MOPC)