LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – The Department of Public Works and Highways recently completed the 2.2-kilometer, P313.21-million Bangui Bypass Road Project in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.
DPWH-Region 1 Director Ronnel Tan said the four-lane road is expected to shorten travel time between Barangay Bacsil and Barangay Nagbalagan from 10 minutes to four to five minutes.
"The completed bypass road project is one of the testaments (to) President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s effort to resolve traffic issues and to improve infrastructure sustainability in the country, ensuring that basic needs and services are accessible to everyone," Tan said in a statement.
The road has drainage, slope protection structure, road safety measures, streetlights, and 46.30-meter bridge. It was built to address critical bottleneck in the town proper, facilitating easy transportation of local goods and services in the vicinity.
A businesswoman said the bypass road eases travel and hopes that more high-impact projects will be completed to avoid traffic such as that to control landslides in Barangay Pancian, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte which is adjacent to Bangui.
Meanwhile, the DPWH also recently completed a P9.79-million access road to a tourism site in Ramon, Isabela.
The DPWH-Isabela 3rd District Engineering Office built the road with a length of 565.5 meters and 3.05-meter-wide concrete pavement with 1.5-meter gravel shoulders on both sides to ensure stable and safer passage.
The DPWH added that reinforced concrete line canals and stone masonry structures were built to prevent erosion and improve drainage. Concrete culverts were also built to facilitate proper water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
District Engineer Adonis A. Asis said the road will enhance mobility, boost local tourism, and improve economic opportunities to nearby communities.