The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is rushing works on the Capas-Botolan Road project in a bid to strengthen the road network in Central Luzon
DPWH Tarlac Second District Engineering Office chief Edward Ricardo Ramos explained that at present, there is no direct east-west road between Tarclac and Zambales due to the mountainous terrain that separates the two provinces.
When completed, Ramos said the Capas-Botolan Road will provide a faster travel from Manila to the northern part of Zambales and Pangasinan via the Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
“Travel time will be decreased and trips will be more comfortable for the public. The economy in the region will also be bolstered with farm produce and other products being transported much faster,’’ Ramos said.
Under the general appropriation act (GAA) of 2013 to 2021, 29.77 kilometers of road and eight bridges were completed with three more bridges still being built at the Tarlac-Zambales section at a cost of P3.45 billion.
In 2022, a 2.14 kilometer road was opened and a bridge was finished with three other bridges being rushed for completion while another 2.14 kilometer road will be concreted and three bridges are set for construction in 2023.
Currently, 31.91 kilometers of road have already been constructed in the Tarlac-Zambales Road section with P2.47 billion allotted for the Tarlac side and P1.91 billion provided for the Zambales side for a total of P4.38 billion fund release under the GAA from 2013 to 2022. (Chito A. Chavez)