Bulacan Unveils Expanded 4-Lane Arterial Road Bypass to Boost Connectivity
The Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase III (ARBP III) contract package 4 was unveiled in Bulacan province this Monday, slashing the commute time between Balagtas and San Rafael from an hour to a mere 24 minutes.
This 7.64-kilometer expansion is hailed as a significant stride towards the “Bagong Pilipinas” vision, aiming for a progressive Philippines, as articulated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and conveyed by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr.
The President emphasized that the project epitomizes a nation replete with hope, optimism, and endless opportunities.
Spanning 23 kilometers, the ARBP III facilitates the efficient transport of goods and services from Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and the Cagayan Valley Region to Metro Manila, enhancing the regional connectivity.
The road has been expanded to four lanes from the previous two, and the construction of 10 bridges and three flyovers is underway.
Completion of all ARBP III segments is anticipated by March 2024, as assured by the President.
Gratitude was extended to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for its substantial support and to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for their unwavering commitment to the project’s completion.
JICA’s contribution of PHP4.25 billion to the total PHP5.26 billion project cost was acknowledged.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan highlighted the bypass’s role in alleviating traffic congestion and stimulating Bulacan’s economic activities.
JICA’s chief representative to the Philippines, Sakamoto Takema, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to investing in major infrastructure projects in the country.
President Marcos noted the 197 ongoing infrastructure flagship projects under the Build Better More program and called for the DPWH’s continued diligence to ensure the timely completion of all major projects, especially those situated outside Metro Manila, to spur regional growth.