Diversion Road upgraded for smoother travel to Iloilo International Airport

Traveling from Iloilo City to Iloilo International Airport is faster and more comfortable with the improvement of Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue or the Iloilo Diversion Road, particularly in the towns of Pavia and Sta. Barbara.

The road improvement project is undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office.

DPWH-6 Regional Director (RD) Lea N. Delfinado said the road improvement involves asphalt overlay of the existing 5.439-kilometer, 3-lane concrete road, including slope protection and other structures.

The project starts from Brgy. Ungka 1 in Pavia town to the entrance of Iloilo International Airport access road in Sta. Barbara town.

“This ₱72.37-million asphalt overlay project is divided into three sections. Section 1 is implemented in Pavia town, particularly from Brgy. Ungka 1 (after the approach of the ongoing construction of Ungka Flyover) to Brgy. Ungka 2 (before the approach of the ongoing construction of Aganan Flyover), with the length of 1.5 kilometers,” RD Delfinado said.

“Section 2 is being implemented from Brgy. Mali-ao in Pavia to Brgy. Cabugao in Sta. Barbara town (with exemption), with the length of roughly 2.89 kilometers. Section 3 is undertaken in Sta. Barbara town, from Bangga Dama to Bangga Airport Road, with the length of 1.01 kilometers,” she added.

OIC-District Engineer Mario G. Soriano said the road improvement project is in full swing and nearing completion.

“We have already completed the section 1 while sections 2 and 3 are on-going and we are hopeful to complete the whole stretch in October this year,” DE Soriano said.

“We are also planning to overlay the other 3-lane road (from Iloilo International Airport to Iloilo City side) of the diversion road to complete the upgrading of the whole stretch,” he added.

Meantime, RD Delfinado said that overlaying of road with asphalt will not only facilitate faster and more convenient travel. This will also benefit motorists as asphalt road is vehicle-friendly.

“Roads plays a crucial function in modern society, providing increased mobility for people, goods and services, hence, providing good roads will boost economy and easier access to basic services,” RD Delfinado said.

Asphalt road provides many benefits such as cost efficiency and reduced noise pollution. Overlaying roads with asphalt can improve the benefits for all road users and is environment-friendly.

“With the asphalt road, traveling is smoother and vehicle engines don’t need to exert much effort, hence would lessen the emission of carbon dioxide,” RD Delfinado added. (DPWHR6/RPAIO)