By Liezle Basa Iñigo
The construction of the P1.195-billion Tuguegarao City west diversion road will provide a faster alternative route to the travelling public.
The 8.99-kilometer, four-lane road will start from Barangay Carig traversing Barangays Linao, Atulayan, Bagay and Buntun.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar (2nd from right) inspected the on-going P1.195 Billion Tuguegarao City west diversion road project. (DPWH Region 2 / MANILA BULLETIN)
During a visit last October, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar said the project will not only result in significant investments and savings for motorists but also improve economic activities in the region.
DPWH Region 2 Director Melanio C. Briosos reported that work has started on Phase 1 with a total allocation of P115 million for the .645-kilometer section of the road, with drainage, slope protection, and right-of-way acquisition.
“We aim to complete the first phase by the end of the year,” Briosos said.
The diversion road has four phases and is expected to be finished in 2022.
It will provide an alternate route to let traffic flow without interference from local traffic in the province, Wilzon Valdez, DPWH Region 2 information officer, said.
Right now motorists from the northern parts of Cagayan have to pass by lengthy inner city roads and congested Tuguegarao highway to get to Solana.
With the completion of the project, motorists can bypass the original route which is longer. Motorists are expected to save 20 to 30 minutes of travel time once the new diversion is completed.
Phase 2 of the project that will be funded in 2019 will cover the opening and concreting of another 2.80-kilometer section, including drainage, slope protection, and right-of-way acquisition while Phase 3, 4 and 5 will involve 1.85-kilometer road construction each which includes concreting and drainage, slope protection, and right-of-way component.