BACOLOD CITY -- Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar led the inauguration of the PHP365-million Araneta-Magsaysay flyover in this city on Tuesday.
The road structure, located in the southern part of Bacolod, is the second flyover here after the first one in the north situated on Lacson Street in Barangay Bata.
Villar said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) fast tracked the completion of the flyover to make the Bacoleños happy this Christmas.
“We assure you this is only the start. We have more projects to be implemented here,” he added.
Villar was joined by Bacolod Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya, Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, and District Engineer Abraham Villareal, during the inauguration rites, which included a ceremonial drive-through on the flyover.
The DPWH official said Bacolod is fortunate to have officials facilitating the infrastructure projects for the city.
The Araneta-Magsaysay flyover’s total project cost of PHP365 million was converted into economic construction cost of PHP321.2 million, using the standard economic conversion factors.
The structure is a double-lane pavement with five spans of modular steel technology of Matierre S.A.S. under the French Government assistance program, four piers with a total length of 195 lineal meters, and road approaches of 280 meters.
Villar said the DPWH is also conducting a feasibility study for the construction of additional flyovers in Bacolod.
He added that Bacolod is one of the recipients of the “golden age” infrastructure program of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Let us support him because he has a good plan for Negros Island, especially Bacolod, because he saw the potential of the city. He loves Negros so expect more projects here,” he said.
Gasataya said the construction of the flyover will not only ease traffic situation, but is also part of a mega structure in the southern part of Bacolod.
Leonardia said the flyover project is a “dream come true” and is expected to contribute to the economic stimulation and modernization of infrastructure facilities in Bacolod.(PNA)
PNA photo by Nanette Guadalquiver
