North Coast
The Amber Highway: Santiago to the coast in about 30 minutes
The new highway was awarded in July 2026 and brings the country’s second city to the beach.
On 8 July 2026 the Dominican government awarded the design and construction of the Autopista del Ámbar, a new highway of about 35 kilometres between Santiago and the Puerto Plata–Sosúa road. The investment is RD$28.8 billion, around US$476 million. Once open, the drive between Santiago and the coast is expected to take about 30 minutes instead of well over an hour today. Santiago is the second-largest city in the country, with an international airport and a strong economy. A fast connection makes the North Coast a realistic weekend and second-home destination for Dominican families, in addition to international buyers.