DPWH V fast tracks projects to address flooding

LEGAZPI CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here has lined up measures to address the problem on perennial flooding in some areas in the second district of Albay.

DPWH V regional director Danilo E. Dequito appealed to the public during a radio interview to bear with the inconvenience, especially on the traffic congestion and rerouting of vehicles going to the first district and vice versa, in lieu of the reconstruction of roads and bridges along the arterial road network in the city.

Reports have reached DPWH V on the complaints of motorists experiencing traffic built-up and other inconveniences due to road rerouting.

“We are assuring the public that all efforts are being done to finish the projects on or before the target date of completion,” the director added.

Albay 2nd District Engineering Office is now expediting the completion of several projects along Daang Maharlika (DM) road including the reconstruction of Pili Bridge along DM Junction Legazpi City-Sto. Domingo-Camarines Sur Boundary road (Phase I) Penaranda St., Legazpi City, fronting former Albay Hotel.

Several alternate routes were identified by the City Government of Legazpi for the convenience of the traveling public.

“The bridge length will be increased from 12.60 meters to 15.60 meters and one meter elevation, purposely to accommodate the great volume of water discharge that resulted to flooding on the road pavement during heavy rains,” said Dequito.

The project was allocated P11.30 million, sourced from the CY 2012 DPWH Regular Infrastructure Program.

The amount consist of the removal of the old structure, construction of the bridge substructure, concreting of roadway, base preparation and for the bridge approaches. The project is targeted for completion on the last quarter of this year.

“We are also expediting the completion of the construction of box culvert and slope protection along Culliat Section in Daraga, Albay,” said Albay 2nd District Engineer Walter Lubiano during a radio interview.

Said road section has long been subjected to public criticism because of the frequent flooding on its pavement brought about by the diversion of the flow of water from Busay-Bongalon River towards Daang Maharlika.

“This is a calamity funded project with an allocation of P5 million and we aimed to finish this project early part of June this year,” added De Lubiano.

Considering the bulk of vehicles that pass said route, appropriate warning/informative signs, barricades and lighting facilities were installed in the area. “We also stationed flagmen to man the traffic 24/7 to avoid accidents and traffic build-up,” he concluded. (MAL/LVC-DPWH V)