The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) stated that it has finished the expansion of a part of the Metro Iloilo Radial Road (R-4 Bypass Road) in Leganes municipality that will ease traffic congestion and provide comfortable access to the nearby municipalities in Central Iloilo.

(Photo: Department of Public Works and Highways / DPWH)

“With more road space along R-4, motorists and commuters will experience better mobility going to and from the northern part of Iloilo and the neighboring provinces of Aklan and Capiz,”  DPWH Region 6 Director Nerie Bueno said.

The P79.1 million project involves the widening of a 1.54 lane kilometer portion of road from two lanes to four lanes with bike lane, curb and gutter, sidewalk, slope protection on both sides, and provision of road safety features to safeguard motorists.

DPWH Regional Office 6 Director Nerie D. Bueno explained that the road widening project complements the already expanded sections of the 2.64-kilometer bypass road which connects the towns of Sta. Barbara, New Lucena, and Zarraga.

The road widening project was implemented by DPWH Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office.

Another concrete pavement project at the Dumangas-Barotac Nuevo Diversion Road was done to improve mobility and connectivity in the northern part of Iloilo.

Stretching through Barangay Agcuyawan Pulo in the town of Barotac Nuevo, the concreting of the 1.9 kilometer road was undertaken by DPWH Iloilo 2nd District Engineering Office.

Bueno noted that the concrete road will not only ensure the safety of motorists, “but also facilitate ease of transportation in the area by reducing the flow of traffic in the town proper.’’

“The upgraded road will provide economic benefits to local communities as it increases the efficiency of goods and services delivery, boosts tourism development, and opens more job opportunities,” she added.

The P34.3 million road concreting project was funded under the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA).