PUNTA CANA, DR – Throughout 2025, Verón–Punta Cana underwent decisive transformations that marked a clear turning point in its comprehensive development. After a thorough and rigorous analysis, Punta Cana Post presents the Seven Major Milestones that redefined governance, infrastructure, and progress in this leading tourist destination.
1. Lighting of the Frank Rainieri Boulevard: From Darkness to Safety
For decades, what was formerly known as the Eastern Tourist Boulevard was synonymous with accidents, neglect, and darkness—a hazard that threatened both safety and the destination’s image.
In 2025, the Fideicomiso RD Vial (Dominican Road Trust) installed 1,600 solar-powered LED lights, repaired deteriorated guardrails, removed inappropriate signage, and blocked improvised U-turns. These actions radically transformed visibility and safety along the boulevard, turning one of the most dangerous stretches into a well-lit, modern corridor that now reflects the quality expected of an international tourism hub.
2. The Punta Cana Overpass: Relief from Traffic Chaos
Delivered in just four months, the Punta Cana Overpass was one of the most significant infrastructure projects of 2025. Designed to ease congestion at the critical Los Manantiales intersection, this elevated structure efficiently connects the Eastern Tourist Boulevard, Barceló Avenue, and the road to Punta Cana International Airport.
The overpass has given a new face to Verón–Punta Cana’s development, drastically reducing travel times during peak hours and improving the flow of both residents and tourists through one of the busiest junctions in the country.
3. Senate Approval in Two Readings for Verón’s Elevation to Municipality Status
One of the most historic milestones of the year was the official recognition of Verón as a municipality. After two readings in the Senate, the bill presented by Senator Rafael Barón Duluc was approved, acknowledging the demographic, social, and tourism growth that justifies greater administrative autonomy for the area.
This advancement paves the way for Verón–Punta Cana to access direct resources, manage its own budget, and make decisions tailored to the specific needs of its rapidly growing population—estimated at over 140,000 residents.
4. Budget Approved for Municipal Market: Organizing Local Commerce
The Ayuntamiento del Distrito Turístico (Tourist District Council) approved a historic budget of 40 million pesos to build a municipal market on the Circunvalación Verón (Verón Ring Road).
This investment represents a critical step toward eradicating informal street commerce and providing a safe, organized, and dignified space for local entrepreneurs and vendors. The market will also improve sanitation, accessibility, and the overall commercial image of the district.
5. Authority Over Land Use: The End of Bureaucratic Stagnation
The Superior Administrative Court granted Verón–Punta Cana direct control over land use permits, a power previously held by the Ministry of Housing, Habitat, and Buildings through the municipality of Higüey.
Now, permits can be issued directly from Verón, unlocking billions of pesos in stalled projects and accelerating real estate, commercial, and infrastructure development across the district. This change eliminates red tape and positions Verón–Punta Cana as a more agile and investment-friendly jurisdiction.
6. Drainage and Paving in “El Cortecito”: From Muddy Road to Functional Avenue
Another major achievement was the intervention in “El Cortecito,” included in the Municipal Paving and Road Improvement Plan with an investment of 60 million pesos.
The project involved the construction and repair of stormwater drains (imbornales), transforming a previously deteriorated and flood-prone area into a paved, functional, and safe road. This work has improved access for residents, businesses, and tourists, especially during the rainy season when flooding used to paralyze the zone.
7. The Year of Change: The Seventh Milestone
While 2025 brought significant progress to Verón–Punta Cana, the seventh milestone remains open for reflection.
Punta Cana Post invites its readers to consider and define what they believe was the seventh major achievement that shaped the future of this community. Was it the opening of new supermarkets? The reinforcement of sargassum cleaning? The expansion of public services? Or perhaps a social or cultural shift that deserves recognition?
The conversation is open—and the community’s voice will help define the final chapter of this transformative year.
A Year That Redefined Verón–Punta Cana
2025 will be remembered as the year Verón–Punta Cana moved from promises to action. From infrastructure and governance to commerce and autonomy, the district took concrete steps toward becoming a well-managed, modern, and self-sufficient city.
The challenge now is to sustain this momentum, ensure proper execution of approved projects, and continue building a destination that serves both its residents and the millions of visitors who choose Punta Cana as their Caribbean escape.
