DPWH widens main thoroughfare, paves farm road in Guimaras island

Going around various tourist destinations in Guimaras island will soon be more convenient and faster with the continuous upgrading and widening from two to four lanes of the Guimaras Central Road undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

DPWH-Guimaras District Engineering Office is currently widening a 1.5-kilometer portion of the Guimaras Circumferential Road in San Lorenzo town, specifically in the barangays of Cabano and Igcawayan.

As reported by District Engineer Rhodora B. Nuñal, Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the ₱72.9-million road widening project, which started in April 2022, is expected to be completed before the end of December this year.

“The completion of the two additional lanes will enhance road capacity and safety, providing convenience among motorists as well as foreign and local tourists visiting various magnificent attractions on the island,” Engr. Bueno said.

“The widened road will likewise enhance socio-economic and tourism development of the island province, as this major thoroughfare provides access to various destinations such as Reyley Farm, Sunset Valley, Clara Beach Resort, and the San Lorenzo Wind Farm,” Bueno added.

Meantime, Engr. Nuñal stressed that aside from boosting socio-economic and tourism activities, the widened road will benefit local residents, particularly students and working individuals.

“Students and employees will enjoy safer and faster travel from their homes to schools or workplaces, and vice versa when the widening of this road is completed,” Nuñal said.

“We will also provide drainage canal and slope protection for the longer lifespan of the road and protection of properties of the people in the area. Thermoplastic pavement markings and warning signs will likewise be installed for the safety of our motorists and the general public,” Nuñal added.

On the other hand, DPWH upgraded from gravel to Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) the farm-to-market road (FMR) in Brgy. Alegria in Sibunag town.

The ₱11.9-million project, in convergence with the Department of Agriculture (DA), involves concreting of a 575-lineal meter long, 6-meter wide, 2-lane road, providing better access for the residents, farmers and fisherfolks of Brgy. Alegria and neighboring barangays.

The project also includes the provision of concrete slope protection, metal guard rails, and thermoplastic pavement markings to ensure the safety of motorists, commuters, and communities.

“This paved road will cater bigger volumes of vehicles, providing our farmers and fisherfolks with easy and cost-efficient transportation access in the delivery of products to the markets and other establishments, making them earn more for their families,” Director Bueno said. (DPWH-6)