The long-anticipated Amber Highway, a project designed to connect the cities of Puerto Plata and Santiago in as little as 30 minutes, has taken an important step toward becoming a reality. The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC), through the RD-Vial Trust, has officially opened the public tender for the design and construction of the roadway. This new route will link Santiago’s Northern Bypass with the Puerto Plata–Sosúa highway, forming a key section of the Amber Highway corridor.
Public Tender Details
Qualified bidders—those registered in the State Supplier Registry (RPE) under the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP)—may obtain the tender’s Terms and Conditions starting Thursday. Documents are available through the RD-Vial Trust’s Purchasing and Contracting Department, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or can be downloaded from the institution’s official website.
The tender process requires the submission of two components:
- Technical Proposal (Envelope A)
- Economic Proposal (Envelope B)
Proposals may be submitted digitally through the Dominican State’s SECP platform or physically in sealed envelopes. Physical submissions will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the RD-Vial Trust Meeting Room. The public opening of the technical proposals will follow the timeline outlined in the tender’s Specific Conditions.
Positive Reactions From the Business Community
Mileyka Brugal, president of the Puerto Plata Chamber of Commerce and Production, recently emphasized the positive impact the Amber Highway will have on the “Atlantic Bride” and the wider northern region. She noted that the project will complement the development of Punta Bergantín, further strengthening economic and tourism growth in the province.
Brugal added that the highway will give Puerto Plata a significant competitive advantage, meeting the growing demand for new experiences among cruise passengers. The improved connectivity will also position Santiago as a valuable allied destination, while cruise arrivals continue through Amber Cove and Taíno Bay.
Additional Benefits
Although not explicitly mentioned, one major advantage is the potential for more affordable travel options. Airfares into Santiago’s Cibao International Airport are often substantially lower than those to Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata. However, the current winding and time-consuming road between the two cities discourages many visitors. A modern highway—and a journey of roughly 30 minutes—would make flying into Santiago a much more attractive alternative and could help draw even more visitors to the North Coast. This may also provide competition to the highly commercialized Punta Cana region.
A Bright Outlook for Puerto Plata
With enhanced regional connectivity, growing tourism demand, and major investments underway, the future for Puerto Plata looks exceptionally promising.