THE construction of a new 5.77-kilometer, 4-lane bypass that will connect the Manila North Road, also known as MacArthur Highway, and the Luisita Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Access Road in Tarlac City is now in full swing.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Tarlac 1st District Engineer Erelina Santos said the implementation of the first phase of the bypass began in 2019.

“Programmed to be completed this 2021, this multi-year project involves a 3.35-kilometer road opening, 5.77-kilometer of road widening, a total of 2.42 kilometers of existing roads for rehabilitation, and the construction of drainage and slope protection along its stretch,” the official said.

Once completed, motorists coming from San Sebastian in Tarlac City need not traverse the MacArthur Highway going to Luisita SCTEX Access Road thus a considerable reduction in travel time.

“It is estimated that the drive to Luisita SCTEX Access Road is only 15 minutes from the previous 45 minutes when the new bypass is opened because motorists will be able to avoid passing through the congested section of MacArthur Highway in Tarlac City,” Santos said.

In a statement, DPWH Regional Director Roseller Tolentino said the agency is committed to finish the bypass ahead of schedule.

“In the face of all the confusion brought by the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting economic slump, let’s make our infrastructure program the great equalizer,” he said. (PR)