Upgraded road improves travel, boosts safety in Iloilo

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A safer and more comfortable travel experience now awaits motorists along the Cabatuan–New Lucena–Bangga Bante Road, particularly in New Lucena town, following an asphalt overlay project by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office.

The PHP 90.65-million project, funded under the FY 2024 Regular Infrastructure Program, involves the asphalt overlay of a 5.278-lane-kilometer, two-lane road and the installation of thermoplastic pavement markings to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and local residents.

Citing a report from District Engineer Mario G. Soriano, DPWH Region 6 Officer-in-Charge Director Jose Al V. Fruto said the upgraded road enhances transportation access for all road users and eases the delivery of government services and transport of farm products to markets.

“This road network provides travelers from north-central Iloilo and the provinces of Aklan and Capiz with an alternate access to the Iloilo International Airport, thus decongesting major routes and reducing travel time, making it more convenient for our travelers,” Director Fruto said.

“This road also passes through various local communities and vast agricultural areas, improving mobility for residents and significantly lowering the cost of transporting agricultural goods to commercial centers and town centers,” he added.

Meanwhile, Engineer Soriano emphasized that using asphalt pavement offers long-term benefits to the government, motorists, and the general public.

“This road improvement will significantly extend the life of the existing concrete pavement without requiring full reconstruction, while also providing a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing surface compared to patching or sealing methods,” Soriano said.

He added that reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings have been applied to enhance nighttime safety for motorists, pedestrians, and the surrounding community.

“This pavement marking is necessary especially at night to guide motorists to stay within their lanes and to warn pedestrians to avoid walking inside the markings to prevent accidents,” Soriano explained.