DPWH infra projects spur economic and agri development in Cagayan Valley
By Chito Chavez
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the new permanent Abusag Bridge has provided the public with easier access to the business centers in Cagayan province while making travel safer for the motorists.
Located at the Baybayog-Baggao-Dalin-Sta. Margarita Road in Baggao town, DPWH Region 2 Director Reynaldo Alconcel noted that work was opened after the bridge “was deemed safer for the public to use.’’
He said the new two-lane Abusag Bridge connecting Barangays San Jose and Annayatan replaces an old overflow bridge which was usually flooded and impassable during rainy and typhoon season due to its low elevation.
“This new all-weather type bridge stretching 720.8 meters with 905-meter approach serves as a safer link crossing Abusag River. The bridge can be accessed even during bad weather condition since we assured that was built on efficient vertical clearance or height above water level,” he added.
“The completion of the new bridge will improve connectivity and will provide safe mobility, facilitating access to health, education, and economic opportunities in the town and neighboring areas,’’ the DPWH said in a statement.
Aside from Abusag bridge, Alconcel disclosed that the P470.11 million Solano-Bayombong Bypass Road in Nueva Vizcaya province was also opened to the public.
He bared that the 6.202-kilometer Solano-Bayombong Bypass road has four lanes with a 13.4-meter carriageway width and 300-millimeter thickness concrete.
The new alternate highway is now regarded as the longest bypass road in Cagayan Valley Region.
“The opening of this new road ensures the faster delivery of goods to and from Nueva Vizcaya and also help decongest traffic along busy Daang Maharlika,” the DPWH said.
The bypass road is equipped with the traffic signal system, light posts, lay-by areas, sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian lanes and is expected to benefit around 10,000 travelers daily.
The DPWH Region 2 chief lamented that the bypass road brings convenience in transporting agricultural and commercial products to major economic hubs.
It will also create opportunities for industrial development that will provide employment and livelihood sources for the locals.