By: Raydes B. Barcia
Legazpi City —Few months from now, commuters’ woes will be addressed as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol is fast tracking the construction of the P2.21 billion Albay-Sorsogon 15.87-kilometer connector road here.
The travel time in Albay to Sorsogon and vice versa will be shortened for at least an hour once the construction of the Legazpi City – Punta de Jesus Road in Albay and Junction Sorsogon – Bacon – Manito Road in Sorsogon is completed.
In a report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan by Virgilio C. Eduarte, DPWH Bicol director said that the new 15.87-kilometer road that will link the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon in Bicol dubbed as connector road is one of the priority projects in Bicol Region as it would directly link Legazpi City – Punta de Jesus Road in Albay and Junction Sorsogon – Bacon – Manito Road in Sorsogon.
The public works in Bicol, according to Eduarte, is fast-tracking the ongoing construction of the Bacon – Manito Road also known as the Albay-Sorsogon connector road.
“When fully completed, Albay – Sorsogon connector road will reduce the travel time of motorists by one hour, benefitting as many as 5,000 motorists daily, and eventually improving the economic condition of areas along its route,” Eduarte said.
“Locals and visitors will be able to utilize this all-weather road very soon. We are targeting completion of ongoing sections before the end of this year,” Eduarte said.
The project has so far received an allocation of ₱2.21 billion, the DPWH said.
Aside from P2.21 billion funds, the DPWH has requested an additional of ₱500 million budget for the remaining civil works covering the installation of active and passive slope protection system, metal beam guardrails and continuation of the concretion of the unpaved areas.