Widened bridges, paved bike lanes facilitate safer, faster transportation along Bacolod South Road

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Traveling along Bacolod South Road, specifically in the towns of Hinigaran and Binalbagan with the widened bridges and paved road shoulders, delivered by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), providing wider space that could accommodate more vehicles.

In her report to OIC-Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel, District Engineer Marivic M. Roldan said two adjacent bridges in Barangay Tanolo in Hinigaran are widened, and road shoulders along Bacolod South Road, specifically in Hinigaran town are being concreted.

With a total amount of ₱ 13.9 million, the widening of 93.61-lineal meter and 76.97-lineal meter bridges in Barangay Tanolo includes concreting of road approaches, paving of road shoulders, and provision of slope protection structures.

The ₱20-million road improvement in Binalbagan town, on the other hand, involves concrete paving of 1,232 square meters of road shoulders to pave the way for motorcycles and bicycles, as well as for pedestrians.

“Widening these bridges is an important part of maintaining the safety and efficiency of our transportation network. Providing additional lanes will increase traffic capacity. The widened bridges will also complement the widened road, creating wider spaces even for large vehicles, and reducing congestion,” OIC-RD Sanny Boy O. Oropel said.

“Adding additional lanes can also improve the structural integrity of a bridge. Widening a bridge can strengthen the structure, making it more able to withstand high loads, earthquakes, and other environmental factors, hence increasing its lifespan,” RD Oropel added.

RD Oropel further said that bridge widening can lead to improved safety, as more spaces can help lessen the number of accidents, reduce travel time, and improve the flow of traffic.

Likewise, RD Oropel stressed that the concreting of shoulders along Bacolod South Road will pave an additional lane, especially for motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians, providing smoother traffic flow and safer transportation.

“With these additional lanes, motorcycle and bicycle riders will have their lanes, providing them a convenient, safer and travel comfort, without the fear of sharing the main carriageway with trucks and other vehicles,” RD Oropel stressed.

Meanwhile, DE Marivic M. Roldan said that the improvement along Bacolod South Road, is beneficial among motorists and the general public, providing additional spaces to accommodate more vehicles, even trucks hauling agricultural products.

“The widened bridges will offer travel ease and spontaneous driving, especially at night as more vehicles can pass through more lanes. This will provide convenience, comfort, and safety among our motorists and travelers, and facilitate smooth traffic flow,” DE Roldan said.

“The paved road shoulders in Binalbagan will likewise facilitate a smoother flow of traffic, providing additional lanes that can cater additional vehicles and road users, especially motorcycle and bicycle riders, as well as pedestrians,” DE Roldan added. (DPWH-6)