Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completed two connectivity projects that will bring great convenience to motorists traveling from Sto. Domingo to the towns of Aliaga and Talavera.
Nueva Ecija 1st OIC-District Engineer Armando Manabat said these two projects with a total funding of P468-million under the 2021 General Appropriations Act are now open to motorists.
“The DPWH firmly believes that the newly built roads and bridges will greatly contribute to the enhancement of inter-town connectivity in this part of Nueva Ecija,” he added.
The construction of the 2.20-kilometer road and the 90.80-meter bridge that traverse barangay Dolores in Sto. Domingo and barangay San Carlos in Aliaga received a budget of P233.5 million.
Moreover, a total of P234.4-million was released by the national government for the construction of a 2.40-kilometer road including the 153.50-meter bridge that now connects barangay San Agustin in Sto. Domingo and barangay Pag-asa in Talavera.
The recently completed projects are now providing the motoring public with a seamless travel experience as the usual travel time between these municipalities has been reduced by over 50 percent.
“The drive time between Sto. Domingo and Talavera have become faster because from 30 minutes, it is estimated that it only takes 10 minutes to reach the barangays that were linked by the newly constructed road and bridge, thus avoiding passing through the common traffic chokepoints along the Sicsican-Sto. Domingo Road and the section of Maharlika Highway where the business district of Talavera is located,” he shared.
Also, motorists coming from Sto. Domingo can now reach Aliaga in 20 minutes from the previous one hour since it is no longer necessary to pass along Sicsican-Sto. Domingo Road, Maharlika Highway and towards La Torre-Bibiclat Road just to reach barangay San Carlos in Aliaga.
To ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians, DPWH has installed road reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings and road signage.
Both approaches of the two bridges were also paved and equipped with metal guard rails.
Meanwhile, slope protection was also constructed to prevent rainwater runoff from eroding the embankment at roadway slopes and bridge ends.
These projects are expected to boost local economies, provide safer and faster delivery of agricultural produce to market centers, and offer the public comfortable travel and quicker access to social and healthcare services. (CLJD-PIA 3)