DPWH orders clearing of nat’l roads for Holy Week

MANILA, Philippines – Anticipating the rush of travelers this Holy Week, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson has ordered the removal of barriers that may worsen traffic flow on national roads undergoing repairs.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also announced on Friday, April 11, that Singson has also activated the “Lakbay Alalay” Motorists Assistance Program from April 13 to 19.

The DPWH chief ordered the department’s field units nationwide to conduct road checks for obstructions and to direct government contractors to remove idle equipment used in ongoing repairs.

Where needed, the DPWH will install directional signs, reseal damaged pavement, and apply thermoplastic pavement markings in time for the urban exodus next week. 

Singson said the directive is hoped to ease traffic flow on roads where major repairs are being made, such as the Manila North Road between Carmen, Pangasinan to La Union, which will affect those headed for the Ilocos and Cordillera Regions.

The DPWH cited other affected portions of the Manila North Road:

• Urdaneta-Binalonan-Pozorrubio-Sison Section and Villasis in Pangasinan
• Widening works at Km 265 to 269 in La Union
• Bantay Section in Ilocos Sur
• On-going construction of Banban and Baruyen bridges in Bangui, Ilocos Norte

The DPWH advised motorists headed for Baguio City, one of the most popular destinations in Luzon, to take Marcos Highway because of the on-going pavement rehabilitation at Kennon Road.

For southbound motorists taking Daang Maharlika or the Manila South Road, the DPWH said the following projects will slow down traffic:

• Road widening works at Tabugon-Sta Elena Section and construction of Labo, Bulala, Cabuluan and Laniton Bridges in Camarines Norte
• Construction of San Jose bridge in Pili, Camarines Sur
• Bascaran, Cabangan and Oas Diversion bridges in Albay
• Daang Maharlika improvement project in Sorsogon

The DPWH said traffic volumes on the Manila North and South Roads are at their    peak from Holy Wednesday to Easter Sunday. – Rappler.com