DPWH-6 chief oversees projects in Guimaras

Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 goes around Western Visayas to personally fast-track various infrastructure projects being implemented by both Regional and District Engineering Offices.

Director Bueno recently checked the widening along Guimaras Circumferential Road, specifically in the town of San Lorenzo, undertaken by DPWH Guimaras District Engineering Office.

Citing from the report of District Engineer Rhodora B. Nuñal, Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the ₱78.39-million road widening project is expected to be completed in December this year.

Director Bueno instructed the project engineer to expedite the road widening so it can be conveniently utilized by the public.

“If possible, we need to work round-the-clock to ensure that this project will be completed as scheduled or even ahead of the schedule,” Director Bueno said.

The project involves the widening from two to four lanes of a 1.6-kilometer portion of the Guimaras Circumferential Road with 280-mm thick Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) and 150-mm thick concrete pavement with precast curb and gutter. The project also includes construction of drainage and slope protection, installation of road safety warning signs, and application of thermoplastic pavement markings.

Guimaras Circumferential Road spans 128.9 kilometers and as of to date, 52.6 kilometers are already widened. DPWH will continuously widen the remaining 2-lane portions to complete the whole stretch.

When completed, the widened Guimaras Circumferential Road will provide safer and more convenient access when traveling from one place to another in the island. This will significantly increase road capacity, providing comfortable travel experience going to various tourist destinations in the province, especially during Lent season when people visit the “Balaan Bukid” (Holy Mountain) for pilgrimage.

Likewise, Director Bueno checked the on-going construction of seawall along Guimaras Circumferential Road, along the coastal barangay of Cabano in San Lorenzo town.

The ₱96.2-million slope protection project involves construction of 1.84-square kilometer seawall with breakwater, sidewalk, pipe culverts and paving blocks.

“This structure will prevent our national road from possible damage during high tide. More importantly, this will protect the lives, properties and livelihood of the people living in the area,” Director Bueno stressed.

“This will also serve as a recreation spot in the province, wherein both locals and tourists can have a scenic view of the ocean,” RD Bueno explained. (DPWH-6)