Road networks worth more than P2.4B

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in collaboration with the Iloilo City Government, is currently constructing two major road networks in the city worth more than P2.4 billion.

The construction aims to ease up traffic congestion in the northern city and open up new raw lands for development in mostly agricultural areas in Iloilo.

Senator Franklin Drilon, who is from Iloilo, is instrumental in realizing the circumferential road and radial road networks complimented by the completed Iloilo River Esplanade project and the road widening project from Jaro to Leganes road.

Drilon admitted the projects are unprecedented in the city and only enhanced during the term of President Benigno Aquino III. These projects are expected to be completed before the Aquino’s term ends in 2016.

Drilon said some P300 million additional funds are needed and be taken from the 2012 national budget while another P385 million is included in the 2013 national budget to complete all the road networks.

The circumferential road project includes six bridges and 13.74-kilometer roads divided in five road sections, including the 1.2-kilometer Treñas Boulevard river Esplanade.

The radial road, on the other hand, is 11.8 kilometers long, connecting from the circumferential road with a bridge up to the Zarraga, Iloilo junction and connecting the widened Jaro-Leganes-Zarraga road.

The circumferential road is encircling the city, passing through the Mandurriao-Oton road area, through the municipality of Pavia and Sta. Barbara, and a road parallel with the Iloilo flood control project up to the coastal area.

When completed, the all-weather road of 12 inches thick will become a major transportation route in the city and ease transportation to the new airport of international standards in Cabatuan, Iloilo. (Lydia C. Pendon)