Barotac Nuevo by-pass road to shorten travel time to northern Iloilo

Safer and shorter travel to various destinations in the coastal part of northern Iloilo awaits motorists and commuters when the ongoing construction of the Barotac Nuevo By-pass Road is completed.

The 1.75-kilometer by-pass road along Iloilo East Coast Capiz Road traverses the barangays of Tabucan and Bungca in Barotac Nuevo.

This multi-year project was initiated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Regional Office in 2018 and is continued by DPWH Iloilo 2^nd District Engineering Office (DEO) in 2020.

Citing the report of District Engineer Sanny Boy O. Oropel, Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the construction of the bypass road, which was continued by the Iloilo 2^nd DEO, is currently in its completion stage with the accomplishment of roughly 80 percent.

“When completed, this bypass road will guarantee faster and more convenient travel to various places especially to magnificent beaches and tourist destinations in the coastal part of northern Iloilo,” Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said.

“Other than convenience, this bypass road shortens travel time to northern Iloilo by at least 15 minutes compared to passing along Barotac Nuevo town proper. This will likewise reduce traffic congestion along the town proper, especially during rush hours,” Director Bueno added.

The construction of Barotac Nuevo By-pass Road has a total funding requirement of ₱163.5 million, which includes opening and concreting of 1.75-kilometer long, 13.4-meter wide, 4-lane road with slope protection.

“An initial ₱109.6 million was funded by the Regional Office in 2018 which includes the opening of a new 4-lane road including Road-Right-of-Way (RROW) acquisition and construction of Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP),” Director Bueno said

To continue and complete the project, District Engineer Sanny Boy O. Oropel said an amount of ₱19.6-million and ₱34.3 million were funded by DPWH Iloilo 2^nd DEO in 2020 and 2022.

“Other than road opening and concreting, the Barotac Nuevo By-pass Road project includes the provision of metal guard rails, solar pavement markers (solar studs), and thermoplastic pavement marking,” DE Oropel said.

The project further includes the construction of a lined canal, bike lane, and solar street lights for the safety of motorists and pedestrians, especially at night.

“This is one of the numerous by-pass roads we are undertaking or already provided in various areas in the region. These roads aim to develop municipal infrastructures by increasing transports system capacity; improve road safety for motorists and pedestrians, and reduce congestion, especially along town proper and heavily congested areas,” Director Bueno stressed. (DPWH-6)