The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is constructing a new bypass road that will soon reduce travel time going to various towns in northern Iloilo and the neighboring province of Capiz.
Implemented by DPWH Iloilo 3rd District Engineering Office, the construction of the 2.2-kilometer Barotac Viejo Bypass Road is a multi-year project which started in 2021 and is expected to be completed in 2025.
According to DPWH Regional Office 6 Director Nerie D. Bueno, an initial amount of P48.5 million was released for the project under the 2021 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and an additional P100 million under the 2022 GAA.
Scope of works on the Barotac Viejo Bypass Road involves construction of portland concrete cement pavement (PCCP) road, cross drainage, grouted riprap, and stone masonry with provision of guard rails and reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings.
“Once completed, Barotac Viejo Bypass Road will serve as an alternate route between the barangays of Natividad and San Roque, decongesting heavy traffic along the town proper and reducing travel time by about 10 minutes,” said Director Bueno.
The new 2-lane bypass road will also spur socio-economic development in northern Iloilo as it ensures faster delivery of both agricultural and marine products to the market, benefitting farmers and fisherfolks.
