The first Cuban motorway or rock road over the sea, linking the northern keys of Ciego de Avila province with mainland, progresses from the recently completed year in its rehabilitation plan after being seriously affected by Hurricane Ike in 2008.
The land route, located about 490 kilometers from Havana gives access to one of the main areas of tourist destinations in the country, where it is located the modern hotel chain Jardines del Rey, with facilities of four and five stars category.
Ernesto Rios, director of the Transportation unit in the territory, told Prensa Latina that nine bridges have been already repaired with ridges, cables and cones, among other elements to provide greater security and resilience.
Likewise, they worked in the traffic signs and placement of breakwaters, or the location of rock protection on both sides of the road, he said.
He stressed that to achieve greater firmness, the foundations and structures were strengthened by means of post-tensioning beams that increase bearing capacity of platforms damaged by being exposed to the aggressive action of natural agents.
The elements have a special treatment with anti-corrosion and waterproofing materials thus having greater strength, durability and are able to withstand the aggressive environment, Rios added.
Once rebuilt, the highway will have better quality and greater safety for those in transit to or from the road linking the domestic network with the isles of Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Paredón Grande.
Such scenarios have excellent conditions for water sports and recreation, with fine white sand beaches defended by coral reefs and abundant woody vegetation that hosts a diverse wildlife, where pink flamingos reign. Cayo Coco and its surrounding islands belong to Buenavista Biosphere Reserve for their values.
(With information from Prensa Latina News Agency)
