San Salvador, El Salvador – The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has announced plans to upgrade several key roads in eastern El Salvador, starting in early 2024. The projects aim to improve connectivity and bolster the region's infrastructure.

One of the most significant undertakings involves the construction of a new road connecting the coastal highway from San Agustín to Berlín in Usulután. This approximately nine-kilometer stretch of dirt road will be paved with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

"Bids from construction companies have been submitted and are currently under final evaluation," said MOP Minister Romeo Rodríguez. "We know this is a vital road for families in the eastern part of the country, and we aim to award the contract soon."

The project is expected to commence in the first quarter of the year.

Additionally, the MOP will be completing another road project connecting the Pan-American Highway from Anchico in San Miguel to Yayantique in La Unión. While two kilometers of this road have already been paved, the remaining nine kilometers will be completed to reach the urban area of Yayantique. Authorities estimate that work on this project will begin in late January.

The third major project involves the complete reconstruction of the Ruta Militar. "We want to rebuild the Ruta Militar in its entirety, from the exit of the Gerardo Barrios peripheral in San Miguel to La Unión," said Minister Rodríguez. "While we have carried out patching, some sections deteriorate quickly, so we will be resurfacing the entire Ruta Militar."

Other ongoing projects include a road connecting the canton of Monteca in Nueva Esparta, La Unión, and the final phase of the Ruta de Paz from Delicias de Concepción to Perquin in Morazán. Additionally, two overpasses will be constructed in San Miguel, one in the El Triángulo area and the other at the Los Leones roundabout.

These infrastructure projects are part of the government's broader plan to improve transportation and economic development in eastern El Salvador.