DPWH's Villar leads opening of new bypass road in La Union

Last October 1, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar led the opening of the 8.72-kilometer San Fernando-San Juan Section of the Bauang-San Fernando-San Juan Bypass Road in the province of La Union.

Secretary Villar, together with La Union 1st District Congressman Pablo C. Ortega and DPWH Region 1 Director Ronnel M. Tan, led a ceremonial drive-through to formally open the new road that is expected to decongest Manila North Road in San Fernando City and San Juan.

The opening of the new bypass road was also attended by DPWH Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, Undersecretary Eduardo S. Ramos Jr., Assistant Secretary Wilfredo S. Mallari, Assistant Secretary Mel John I. Verzosa, DPWH Region 1 Asst. Director Emmanuel W. Diaz, and other public works and local officials.

“Motorists can now use the 8.72-kilometer San Fernando-San Juan Section of the Bauang-San Fernando-San Juan By-Pass Road. This completed segment traversing rice fields will be helpful to the locals, especially farmers in the area,” said the DPWH Secretary.

“I’m really thankful for DPWH Region 1 under the outstanding leadership of Director Tan. May his demonstrated ability, kind of work ethic and determination inspires others to go above in performance,” added Villar.

According to Tan, the San Fernando-San Juan Section from Jct San Fernando-Bagulin Road, Camansi, San Fernando to Jct Manila North Road (MNR), Taboc, San Juan covers the road opening, portland cement concrete paving (PCCP), drainage, shoulder, slope protection works, provisions of pavement markings and signage.

The project also includes the construction of the four-lane Talogtog Bridge and the construction of Abut Bridge. This new road will benefit about 32,000 motorists per day to decongest MNR along San Fernando City and San Juan and reduce travel time from 30 minutes to just 15 minutes.

Around P810 million was allocated by the DPWH for the said project. The Bauang-San Fernando-San Juan By-Pass Road will cost about P1.57 billion in total and the required P764 million funding to complete the project will be proposed from 2023 to 2025 to cover the construction and opening of remaining segments in San Fernando City.

Photos from DPWH

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