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On Tuesday, Sen. Marissa “Marissita” Jiménez Santoni urged Transportation and Public Works (DTOP) Secretary Eileen Vélez Vega to evaluate all retaining walls along the expressways in Carolina, highlighting concerns over a potential collapse of a structure situated between Jesús M. Fragoso Avenue and the exit leading to the Plaza Carolina shopping center on the Román Baldorioty de Castro expressway.
According to the STAR, Carolina Mayor José Aponte Dalmau pointed out the damaged and leaking retaining wall in a press statement issued on Monday, mentioning that he had already reached out to DTOP for urgent action on the issue.
Jiménez also proposed to Senate President José Luis Dalmau Santiago the idea of convening a public hearing to create a program for assessing retaining walls on roads and streets within Carolina.
“DTOP is currently addressing this emergency,” stated the senator from the Carolina District. “Nonetheless, it is reasonable to assume that just as the wall in question began to show cracks due to the soil erosion from the rains, there are likely other retaining walls along avenues and/or expressways in Carolina that could be similarly affected.”
DTOP has closed the mentioned exit to evaluate the damage and initiate stabilization efforts for the retaining wall.
“In light of this situation and recognizing the urgency in safeguarding these structures adjacent to busier roads, I urge the DTOP secretary to promptly commission a study of all soil retaining walls across Carolina,” Jiménez stated, noting that she would formalize her request in a letter to Vélez Vega. “This is a critical safety issue, aimed at preventing a catastrophe.”
