DPWH defends P3-B causeway project in Tacloban

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-8 (Eastern Visayas) has defended the P3.4692-billion causeway project connecting the Tacloban City Hall area to the Kataisan point of the DZR Airport area in San Jose here.

Several residents have aired concerns about the project because it would greatly affect the people who rely on Cancabato Bay for their livelihood.

Agnes Baronda, DPWH-8 Planning and Design Division chief, maintained that one of the objectives of their feasibility study for the project was to ensure that it will not affect the residents on the shoreline of the bay.

"Although the majority of the fisherfolk of Barangay San Jose is now residing behind the tide embankment structure along San Pedro Bay from Baluarte to Sitio Payapay and fish cages are located outside the causeway area, there is a provision of a 180-meter bridge navigational opening, five meters from sea level, sufficient enough for boat traffic," she said.

The opening concerned Jedee Magoncia, a resident of Barangay Paraiso, San Jose District, citing that it could block the water flow in Cancabato Bay.

Baronda said the causeway is primarily a storm surge protection project aimed to protect lives and properties.

"It will serve as the first line of defense against future storm surges in Tacloban City, which is highly susceptible to this kind of disaster."

Baronda added that the causeway will also be a harbor for marine vessels seeking shelter during typhoons.

The project will serve as an alternate route for motorists from the city proper going to the airport, offering reduced travel time from 45 to 10 minutes.

The causeway, which is a four-lane road embankment, is 2.557 kilometers in length with a 180-meter bridge.

It also has separate bike lanes, concrete canals, sidewalks, as well as wave deflectors on both sides.

The alignment starts at Magsaysay Boulevard with elevation gradually increasing towards the bridge at the middle part of the causeway, as required for navigational clearance, and eventually slopes down towards the end of the alignment.

It is also expected to offer an improved path user experience that attracts the local community and tourists and will cater as an infrastructure that can be used by motorists seeking a scenic drive, and by locals who prefer walking, running, and biking.