DPWH To Fast-Track Building Of P300-M Bacolod Economic Highway With Pedestrian, Bike Lanes Project In Negros

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) kicked off last month the development of the P300-million New Bacolod Economic Highway Section 2 with Pedestrian and Bike Lanes in Bacolod City.

The groundbreaking for the three-kilometer road, held February 09 afternoon at Purok Santan, Barangay Cabug, was attended by DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, DPWH Undersecretaries Karen Jimeno and Rafael Yabut, Assistant Secretary Roberto Bernardo, Representative Greg Gasataya, Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, and DPWH District Engineer Abraham Villareal.

Gasataya said the DPWH approved the first phase worth P300 million, including the road right-of-way for the construction of three-kilometer two-lane road from Barangay Sum-ag to Barangay Cabug.

He said it is only a portion of the 21-kilometer economic highway with the total cost of P4.8 billion.

The road project was awarded to IBC-International Builders Corp. with contract amount for civil works of P164.799 million.

It will be competed on May 20, 2018.

Sec. Villar said he inspected the site to ensure that the project will start immediately because the economic highway is important for the people of Negros.

“President Rodrigo Dutere always wants to make sure that all the projects are finished fast,” he said.

He added that when he returns to Manila, he will for ask an additional budget from Department of Budget and Management to fast track the implementation of the economic highway project.

“The DPWH assures you that we will fast track the construction and I will propose to make it four lanes,” Sec. Villar said.

He said he is thankful for the support of the local officials in implementing the road projects in Bacolod.

“The team work of our officials is a big help to fast track the project. I’m sure we will be able to accomplish more projects not only in Bacolod, but in all areas of Negros Island Region,” he said.

Sec. Villar said the economic highway is one of the major projects in Negros Island, and he expects that there will be more projects for Negros like flood control, equipment, convergence programs, and among others.

He said the DPWH projects will not be affected by the status of NIR – whether it will be retained or not.

Gasataya said the economic highway involves eight-meter roads with service road, bike and jogging lanes.

The 21-kilometer economic highway will span Barangays Sum-ag, Cabug, Felisa, Handumanan, Mansilingan, Estegania, Granada, Mandalagan, and Bata. Gasataya said it will serve as an alternative to the existing Circumferential Road, bypassing the busy Bacolod central business district, which will eventually connect to the Bacolod Silay-Airport Access Road.

He added that it will reduce traffic congestion in Bacolod and form a flexible road network, and provide smooth access to Bacolod-Silay Airport.

Leonardia said the project is a dream come true because the economic highway will really change the complexion of Bacolod.

“The stimulation will happen once this is a finished product. This is officially called the New Bacolod Economic Highway,” he said.

“For sure not only traffic will be affected, but the subdivisions, commercial and industrial areas will just naturally come sprouting. This is also our way of catching up with other cities,” he added.

“If Iloilo City has areas with 10 lanes, Bacolod will now have 21 kilometers. I think this is one of the biggest infrastructure projects ever in Bacolod. This is also one of the benefits we have when our political situation is in order. This is a big chance to catch up, and we are thankful to Secretary Villar,” the Mayor said.

Source: Sunstar PH