CALBAYOG CITY- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Samar First Engineering District Office in this city urged motorists to start using the Calbayog diversion as it is now open and accessible to traffic. In an interview, Engr. Carlos Ranola, construction division chief, said that the diversion road is a big help to travellers who passes through the city proper since their time of travel will considerably be lessen.
He added that with the use of the said road, motorists can escape the heavy traffic in the city proper especially during occasions during which city streets are closed to traffic. “With the use of the Calbayog diversion road, their travel will be faster as they can avoid the heavy traffic in the city proper,” Ranola said. Ranola also reminded the motorists that will pass through the diversion road to take extra precautionary measures and drive safely since there are areas along the road that don’t have signages yet.
The construction of Calbayog diversion road was started in 1996 with a total funding of P56.4 million and finished June of this year which serves as the significant component of the road network in Calbayog. It passes through 11 barangays from Brgy. Cagsalaosao in this City to Brgy. Monbon in Sta. Margarita, Samar. The Calbayog diversion road is now categorized as national road through Department Order No. 80 series of 2014 of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) central office based on the provision of Sec. 5 of Executive Order No. 124.
Thus, the said diversion road is now part of the road network maintained by their office and a corresponding amount for road maintenance will be allocated by their agency, Ranola said.
Meanwhile, Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, in an interview said that the completion of the diversion road has further widened the area of Calbayog. Aquino said that the city government will closely coordinate with the DPWH for the strict implementation of zoning ordinance and road right of way boundaries. “As early as now, we will strictly implement the road right of way and the zoning. We will not allow construction of structures along the highway without any proper clearances. We must strictly follow the zoning and the road right of way,” the city mayor said. Aquino added that for next year’s city budget, his administration will allocate certain fund for the installation of street lights along the Calbayog diversion road. (JENNIFER SUMAGANG-ALLEGADO)
