Motorists and riding public going to and from the cities and towns of southern Negros Occidental can now experience faster and smoother travels with the completion of a parallel bridge in Kabankalan City.
The bridge, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 6, crosses Ilog Bridge along Bacolod South Road, a national road network under the supervision of DPWH Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Office.
As reported by District Engineer Rodney Gustilo, Regional Director Nerie Bueno said the parallel bridge is built as an addition to the existing two-lane Ilog Bridge 1 in Brgy. Talubangi in Kabankalan.
“This new two-lane bridge will provide a one-way access from Bacolod City to southern areas of the province, specifically to the Sipalay City and towns of Cauayan, Candoni and Hinobaan, interconnecting through the boundary of Ilog town,” Bueno said.
“The existing 2-lane bridge, on the other hand, will be used as one-way access from southern Negros to Bacolod City and northern portion of the province,” Bueno added.
“With these two bridges, mobility will be improved; travel time from southern to northern Negros, and vice versa, will be reduced; and flow of traffic will be smoother and less congested,” she also said.
Gustilo said the construction of new two-lane bridge is part of bridge widening project to complement the four-lane Bacolod South Road. The project involves construction of 176-lineal meter, 7.3-meter-wide bridge with 1.5-square kilometer road component.
“For safety purposes, included in the project are construction of slope protection structure; application of reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings, provision of railings, curb and gutter, and wing wall; and installation of solar LED lights,” Gustilo also said.
DPWH said it continues to undertake quality infrastructure projects providing a seamless transport network, connecting places, providing access to tourism and agricultural areas, and building conducive structures in order to improve the life of every Filipino.*
