The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has inaugurated the four-lane Guiguinto flyover at the intersection of Plaridel Arterial Bypass Road and the Guiguinto-Balagtas Road in Bulacan.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan led the opening ceremony of the P227 million flyover, which serves as a key part of the P5.26 billion Plaridel Arterial Bypass Road Phase 3 project.
Bonoan said the project aims to improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion near the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Balagtas Exit.
The initiative, funded by a P4.25 billion loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and P1.01 billion from the national budget, is expected to benefit thousands of commuters and cargo vehicles daily by providing faster access to NLEX and the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway.
“This flyover forms part of a 12.5-kilometer road section widened under the project’s third phase, which adds two lanes for southbound traffic while retaining the existing lanes for northbound vehicles,” Bonoan said.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain, who manages infrastructure flagship projects, emphasized that the development showcases the Philippines-Japan partnership in promoting sustainable growth through infrastructure.
Japanese officials, including Embassy of Japan Second Secretary Kinoshita Akito, echoed this sentiment, noting that the project strengthens bilateral relations and supports the Philippines’ goal of achieving upper-middle income status by 2028.
The newly opened flyover and expanded road are expected to accommodate 15,000 vehicles daily, reducing travel time by 24 minutes and contributing to the economic growth of Guiguinto and surrounding towns.