La Altagracia Senator Warns Punta Cana Gridlock Now Outpaces the Capital, Demands Government Action

HIGÜEY, Dominican Republic — Senator Rafael Barón Duluc of La Altagracia province has issued a stark warning regarding the rapidly deteriorating traffic situation in the country’s premier tourist hub, asserting that gridlock in the Verón-Punta Cana area has surpassed the congestion levels of Santo Domingo.

Describing “kilometer-long” traffic jams, the lawmaker revealed that the crisis has begun impacting prime commercial and tourist zones, including the Downtown area, where he has maintained an office for over a decade. The situation has become so untenable, Duluc noted, that he is currently considering relocating his practice.

“I urge the Government to pay attention to this situation,” Senator Duluc stated, suggesting authorities deploy drone surveillance during peak hours to fully grasp the scale of the gridlock.

Exponential Rise in Commute Times

According to data provided by the legislator, transit times in the region have skyrocketed. What was historically a 10-minute drive from the Punta Cana International Airport to local hotels now averages 40 minutes under normal conditions. During peak rush hours or traffic disruptions, commutes routinely stretch to over an hour.

Duluc emphasized that the infrastructure deficit has reached a critical tipping point, forcing private sector intervention to keep the region moving.

“The private sector had to build an overpass, and it wasn’t just because it was necessary—it was essential,” Duluc said. “The traffic jams are already in the premium tourist areas; we’re no longer talking about just the neighborhoods.”

A Crisis of Urban Planning

The Senator also defended recent viral remarks made by tourism mogul Frank Rainieri regarding the area’s infrastructure, calling Rainieri’s heavily criticized statements “prudent” and reflective of reality.

Duluc concluded by framing the gridlock not merely as a localized issue for La Altagracia, but as a pressing national concern rooted in systemic urban planning failures. He underscored that without immediate, strategic government intervention, the crisis threatens to undermine the daily life of residents and the operational efficiency of the nation’s vital tourism sector.