THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - Negros Occidental Third District Engineering Office has announced that it completely paved the coastal road in Barangay Cayhagan in Sipalay City.
DPWH-Western Visayas, on its Facebook page, said the construction of the tourism coastal road includes upgrading from gravel to concrete of the 3,500-lineal meter road.
Also, it includes construction of slope protection, installation of metal guard rails, provision of post and hazard markers, and application of reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings, it added.
Its regional director, Nerie Bueno, said the improved road aims to provide access to various white sand beaches, which are potential areas for tourism development.
“Considering the potential of this area in terms of tourism, agriculture and marine development, the improved road will be beneficial to the economy and tourism in this coastal part of Negros Occidental,” Bueno added.
In April 2020, the DPWH concreted the 2,000-lineal meter portion of the said road amounting to P40 million.
In March this year, the paving of the remaining 1,500 lineal meters in the amount of P30 million was already completed, the regional line agency reported.
Barangay Cayhagan hosts beautiful pristine beaches with crystal clear water. Its abundant marine life has been providing local residents with a stable source of income for their families.
“With this better road, various beaches in the area may be converted into tourism sites that will eventually provide job opportunities among its local residents,” he said, adding that “likewise, transport of agricultural and marine products to the market will be easier, reducing travel time and delivery cost.”
Moreover, Bueno said the widening of Buclao Bridge along Bacolod South Road in Barangay Masaling, Cauayan town is already completed.
“The widened bridge provides a wider and more convenient access, and minimizes traffic congestion benefiting daily motorists and travelers along this national secondary road that serves as main access from and to the southern part of Negros Occidental,” the regional director said.
The project amounting to P16.8 million includes the widening from two to four lanes of the 21-lineal meter Single Span Concrete Deck Girder (RCDG) bridge on bored pile foundation with permanent casing.
Also forming part of the project is the painting works and grouted riprap for slope protection. (With reports from DPWH)