BORONGAN CITY-The Department of Public Works and Highways – Eastern Samar District Engineering Office (DPWH-ESDEO) implemented the installation of solar studs along the national roads in Eastern Samar last year with the total appropriation of P197.5 million, funded under the Convergence and Special Support Program of the department based on General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2022.
DPWH ESDEO has two contract projects for the installation of around 20,400 pieces of solar studs that light the estimated 61.2 kilometers centerline of the road.
Tony Lor, a van driver with route from Borongan City to Arteche town, says that the installed solar studs are a big help to drivers like him that travel during night time, and even during rainy days wherein the road is not visible.
“Maupay ga iton nga solar studs kay iton dako iton nga bulig hit mga driver labi na ngin maraot it panahon, makusog it uran. Asya nala it amon ginkikita iton nga solar [That solar studs is a big relief to the drivers especially during bad weather and heavy rains. It helps us see the road path],” said Lor.
DPWH Eastern Samar District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia said that solar studs are solar cell-powered LED lighting devices embedded in the centerline of the road surfaces as an alternative to the traditional cats’ eyes.
“The solar studs automatically charge during daylight and activate at night time to help drivers anticipate the road path,” said DE Junia.
She also disclosed that Eastern Samar DEO has already installed road studs in the previous years along road sections in Can-avid, Maydolong, Balangkayan, Salcedo, Quinapondan, and Borongan City that are accident-prone areas under the routine maintenance program of the department.
“Now, the installation of 20,400 solar studs is our initial implementation of lighting up the whole national road of Eastern Samar with solar studs,” said DE Junia.
The District engineer also said that the installation of solar studs will improve the quality and safety of the road network in Eastern Samar for the benefit of the travelling public.
The two contract projects is now fully installed along the national roads of Eastern Samar to guide the travelling public of the province. (PR)
