recently, the expressway leading from santo domingo to the airport (roughly 20 km east of the city center) was expanded and modernised. the airport was also modernised, and two more terminals were added, including 20 more gates. the new expressway crosses a new suspension bridge which spans the ozama river, connecting traffic into the city's elevated freeway and tunnel system onto the city's main street, av. 27 de febrero. a more scenic route following the coastal shore provides beautiful views of the caribbean sea and of the city. this secondary road crosses the ozama river by means of a floating bridge, connecting traffic onto the av. george washington (el malecón) which leads into the heart of the colonial city.