P404M Bacolod-Silay Airport access road to start construction

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The 10.12-kilometer access road to the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Negros Occidental will start construction next month, according to Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez (3rd district) said. The project will cost about P404 million (US $9,250,000), with the feasibility study and the technical and financial assistance being funded by the Republic of Korea through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund, he said.

Benitez said the project route alignment starts at the north tip of the Bacolod Circumferential Road heading northward, traversing sugar cane plantation areas in Talisay City and then northward to Barangay Bagtic in Silay City. The access road will consist of two lanes, six bridges, seven intersections, drainage and slope protection structures, he said.

Work will start on February 14, and is expected to be finished in 420 working days, he said, adding that the project bidding was held last November 11 and won by Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Company.

Benitez said this alternative road linking Bacolod City with the airport site in Silay City is a priority project in 2012 and will boost more initiatives for urbanization in this part of Bacolod and the 3rd District of Negros Occidental. He also said the project will provide smooth access to the Bacolod- Silay Airport, help reduce traffic congestion in the north coastal road, and improve travel time. - THE FREEMAN