THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is conducting a feasibility study on the proposed construction of P1.1-billion underpass on C.L Montelibano-Circumferential Road, Bacolod City.
Representative Greg Gasataya said that on November 8, a team from DPWH Central Office Bureau of Design, led by Director Lea Delfinado, arrived in Bacolod, along with its consultant, the United Technologies Consolidated Partnership, for a presentation of the proposed project.
The meeting was also attended by Mayor Evelio Leonardia along with various utility companies such as Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Bacolod City Water District, and some telephone companies.
In May, Gasataya requested the DPWH for a feasibility study on the proposed underpass on the areas with traffic congestion.
Gasataya said they also requested the DPWH to consider the area of Burgos Street for the possible construction of underpass or flyover in the area.
After the feasibility study, Gasataya said the DPWH personnel will return to Bacolod to conduct a consultation.
District Engineer Abraham Villareal said the proposed underpass, measuring 600 meters, will be constructed along C.L Montelibano-Circumferential Road.
He said the consultant already started the feasibility study of the proposed underpass project with four lanes that include the right-of-way.
"The consultant promised to finish the feasibility in February 2019 and we believe that an underpass is better than flyover because it's more convenient for the motorists," Villareal said.
The budget will be taken from the 2020 national budget.
Leonardia said this would be another facility that can help ease the traffic situation in Bacolod.
"This is where we see how important again the coordination of the national and local government especially so that the congressman and the mayor are working together for the progress and development of the city," he said.
Leonardia noted that like the implementation of the drainage project, they are doing their best to synchronize and harmonize the projects of the national and local government.
Once the underpass will be completed, Leonardia said this will enhance the image of Bacolod as more modern, and ready for bigger investments, as well as to upgrade the stature of Bacolod in the list of investment destinations.