By-pass road widened to reduce travel time in central Iloilo

Travel time from Iloilo City to various towns in central Iloilo is reduced by about 40 minutes with the completion of by-pass road in Cabatuan, Iloilo undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado said that DPWH Iloilo 2nd District Engineering has completed the widening of the 3.25-kilometer Cabatuan By-pass Road in Cabatuan, Iloilo.

The by-pass road serves as alternate route from metro Iloilo to the central towns of Iloilo province and neighboring provinces of Capiz and Aklan, by-passing Iloilo-Capiz Road (old route), which is becoming congested due to volume of vehicular traffic.

“This by-pass road reduces travel time along this section of Iloilo-Capiz Road (old route) from 1 hour to only 20 minutes, benefiting approximately 3,400 daily commuters and motorists. This will also accommodate bigger volume of vehicular traffic plying the said road section,” Delfinado said.

Director Delfinado further said the by-pass road also provides faster access to Iloilo International Airport and enables faster delivery of basic government services in the province.

“This (by-pass road) will also provide easy access among producers and traders from neighboring towns and provinces, enabling fast transport of goods at a lower hauling cost,” Dir. Delfinado said.

Meantime, District Engineer Sanny Boy O. Oropel disclosed that an amount of ₱57.89 million from the District’s FY 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA) was used to fund the said project.

Engr. Oropel said the project involves concrete widening to 4 lanes the existing 2-lane, 3.25-kilometer by-pass road, Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) including installation of solar LED streetlights and thermoplastic pavement markings. The project also includes construction of stone masonry and provision of sidewalk, curve and gutter for the safety of pedestrian.

“We believe that the improved traffic and transport condition will provide economic opportunity and stimulate investment in the 3rd congressional district of Iloilo,” Engr. Oropel said. (DPWH-6/RPAIO)