P365M flyover to ease traffic congestion in Bacolod

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The newly inaugurated P365-million flyover, a first in this city and in Negros island, is seen to increase road capacity thus mitigating traffic congestion in the city, Mayor Evelio Leonardia said.

"Finally the flyover project is done. This will greatly ease traffic congestion and will propel Bacolod to surge ahead," Leonardia said during its inauguration over the weekend.

Also called the Lacson-Circumferential flyover, the project was implemented by the DPWH-PBPO (Department of Public Works and Highways-President's Bridge Program Office) under the Mega Bridges for Urban and Rural Development Project with funding assistance from the French government.

"It is a sign of connection and progress between the Philippines and France," said Phillippe Gouvary, representative of the French Embassy, about the modular steel flyover consisting of five spans, four piers on concrete bored piles with a total length of 195 linear meters and 167 meters approach roads.

Gouvary and DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson led local officials at the inaugural rites of the flyover project. They were assisted by Leonardia, Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez Jr.

Also present were DPWH Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, DPWH Assistant Secretary Emil Sadain, DPWH-President's Bridge Program Office acting project director Oscar Villanueva and DPWH regional director Evelyn Barroso.

Golez said, "this is a celebration for it is the first time that a mega structure was built in Bacolod. The flyover has stirred so much emotion and euphoria - a gift to the people of Bacolod."

The flyover is ideal for congested areas and this will benefit, not just Bacolod but also the people in the surrounding areas, said Singson, adding that it is among the 10 flyovers projects being put up in the country along with 72 bridges. — THE FREEMAN