DPWH Updates: Roads, Bridges and Flood Control

It is the start of the new year and everyone is working hard to make it better than the last. For the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), it is business as usual in improving the state of the country with its numerous infrastructure projects. Read on to see what the latest is on infrastructure news in the Philippines. 

Bridges and Expressways 

The recent completion and soft opening of the Skyway Stage 3 bodes well for the commuters of Metro Manila. The DPWH expects traffic congestion in EDSA to lessen by 36%. The expressway saw positive feedback from the motorists during the soft opening week, though time will tell if this decent change will last. The skyway will have its official opening this January 14, 2021. 

The Skyway. Photo courtesy of Rappler. 

The DPWH Secretary Mark Villar has announced that additional bridges will soon be put up to decongest traffic in Metro Manila. Among the planned projects include a bridge to be put up across the Pasig River, as well as other expected bridges like the Binondo Intramuros Bridge, the BGC-Ortigas Link Bridge, and so on. 

Roads 

The DPWH Regional Office 2 were able to build and improve a total of 73 kilometers of road in the Cagayan Valley region. Secretary Villar stated that the new roads are necessary in providing a socio-economic impact in the region, as well as easier access to services related to health, government, tourism, and social welfare.

Cagayan Valley road. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Information Agency.

Meanwhile, the DPWH has also recently finished a P14.32-million road project in Lanao del Norte, covering a 645 meter road from Sitio Pendolan to the Mighty Cave Park in Tagoloan. The project also covers other improvements such as the provision of a drainage system and a single arm post with street lights for tourists and locals alike.

New roads, ready for tourism. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Information Agency.

Access to tourist sites in Aloguinsan, Cebu were also improved with the addition of a newly-paved 1.38-kilometer, 2-lane road which leads to several tourist destinations in the coastal area of Aloguinsan Town. 

“With the completion of this access road, the 40 minutes travel time from the national road to Hermits Cove has been reduced to only 15 minutes. This will not only serve tourists who want to explore Central Cebu, but also directly benefit locals with improved mobility and investment potential of their area,” said Secretary Villar.

New roads in Cebu. Photo courtesy of the DPWH.

Anti-Flood Structures

Several flood control structures were completed by the DPWH in the past few weeks as a way to protect vulnerable areas from environmental disasters. The projects listed below were funded under the 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

In Pampanga

A new 465-meter slope along Abacan River was built in Angeles City, Pampanga to prevent scouring along the riverbank that damages crops and properties on the lower areas of Barangays Pandan and Capaya.

“This newly-constructed project is aimed to provide stability and protection against landslides and flooding, especially such as the most recent typhoons that caused overflowing of the water tributaries in Pampanga,” said Secretary Villar.

The new 465 slope along Abacan river. 

In Nueva Ecija

Two structures were completed last January 5, these being a 181-linear meter flood control wall along Baliwag River, and 187-meter flood control structure in Barangay Sibut. 

“By constructing flood control structures like this all over the country, we hope to protect lives and mitigate damage to properties, so we can focus on economic development” Secretary Villar stated.

Newly completed food control structure in Nueva Ecija.

In Bataan

Along the Maligaya River is a 289.6-meter flood control structure that was completed together with a 305-meter wall along Pita River last January 9.

“We should also commend Bataan First District Engineering Office (DEO) and Regional Director Roseller Tolentino for completing the much needed infrastructure projects on time despite the additional requirements poised by the minimum health standards in order to aid the flood management program of the province,” said Secretary Villar.

Flood control structure in Bataan.

This is a strong start for the department for the first month of 2021. Let us all hope the momentum continues for the betterment of the country.