New 2-lane parallel bridge in southern NegOcc opens to traffic

Motorists and the riding public going to and from cities and towns in southern Negros Occidental can now experience faster and smoother transport with the completion of a parallel bridge in Kabankalan City.

The bridge implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 6 is crossing Ilog Bridge along Bacolod South Road, a national road network under the supervision of DPWH-Negros Occidental 3^rd District Engineering Office.

As reported by District Engineer Rodney A. Gustilo, Regional Director Nerie D. Bueno said the parallel bridge is built as an addition to the existing 2-lane Ilog Bridge 1 in Brgy. Talubangi in Kabankalan City.

“This new 2-lane bridge will provide a one-way access from Bacolod City to southern areas of the province, specifically to the Sipalay City and towns of Cauayan, Candoni and Hinobaan, interconnecting through the boundary of Ilog town,” Engr. Bueno said.

“The existing 2-lane bridge, on the other hand, will be used as one-way access from southern Negros to Bacolod City and northern portion of the province. With these two bridges, mobility will be improved; travel time from southern to northern Negros, and vice versa, will be reduced; and flow of traffic will be smoother and less congested,” Bueno stressed.

In addition, Engr. Gustilo said the construction of the new 2-lane bridge is part of the bridge widening project to complement the 4-lane Bacolod South Road.

The project involves the construction of a 176-lineal meter, 7.3-meter wide bridge with a 1.5-square kilometer road component.

“For safety purposes, included in the project are the construction of slope protection structure; application of reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings, provision of railings, curb and gutter, and wing wall; and installation of solar LED lights,” Engr. Gustilo said.

DPWH continues to undertake quality infrastructure projects providing a seamless transport network, connecting places, providing access to tourism and agricultural areas, and building conducive structures to improve the life of every Filipino. (DPWH-6)