BALANGA CITY – Bataan Governor Albert Raymond S. Garcia is presently on an official trip to the United Kingdom to study the possibility of adopting the bus rapid system being implemented in developed countries to the province’s main artery— the Roman Highway known today as the Bataan Provincial Highway.
This was revealed in a news briefing last Wednesday at the Camp Cirilo Tolentino with Metro Bataan Development Authority (MBDA) general manager Carlos “Charlie” Pizarro, Jr.
“Nasa UK si Gov. (Abet) para pag aralan ang bus rapid transport system at iba pang ideya para sa ating main highway at iba pang major roads ng probinsiya,” Pizarro told newsmen.
Bus Rapid Transport System (or BRT- bus rapid transit) is a bus-based public transport system designed to improve capacity and reliability relative to a conventional bus system. Typically, a BRT system includes roadway that is dedicated to buses and gives priority to buses at intersections where buses may interact with other traffic.
Pizarro also revealed the planned widening of the 62 km. Bataan Provincial Highway from a four-lane highway into a seven-lane expressway.
“Both sides will become three lanes and there is a freeway in the middle of it for those vehicles turning right or left,” Pizarro added.
The provincial government will be in close coordination with DENR, DPWH and other attached and concerned agencies once the planned projects for the said highway take place.
Meanwhile, GM Pizarro denied earlier reports that more than 5,000 trees will be cut down once the road widening takes effect.
“We will do necessary measures in coordination with DENR to lessen tree cutting in this project along the Roman Highway,” Pizarro stressed.
Footbridges will also be constructed in all towns along the said highway and major bus stops with restaurants, gas stations and other motorists amenities will also be built in strategic areas.
In the town of Hermosa, Mayor Jopet Inton, as one of his initial projects, started the installation of street lights along the Hermosa portion of the Roman Highway utilizing funds from the DPWH. –Mhike R. Cigaral