The Department of Public Works and Highways denied the request of the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office to temporarily stop road and drainage projects in the city to ease traffic during the holiday rush.
As much as they understand the situation, there is a timeline for the completion of each project that cannot be delayed, DPWH-Bacolod District Assistant Engr. Leah Jamero said on Thursday, Dec. 7.
DPWH-Bacolod District Engineer Abraham Villareal and BTAO Deputy Chief Jose Antonio Robello met to discuss the matter.
DPWH did not allow the request because contractors have to meet their deadlines, Jamero said.
Robello said they are trying to negotiate the schedule of work along major roads of Bacolod and one of the suggestions is to do it after rush hours at night.
Jamero said that they have done work at night but residents have complained that the noise disturbs their sleep.
Among the major projects that will continue this month is the P40 million bridge widening in Sum-ag where one of the lanes will be closed on Dec. 13 and 14.
Jamero said that they will give a detour advisory where the vehicles can pass through the Abuanan-Cabug road, while work is underway for two days.
The bridge closure is due to heavy equipment that are involved that needs the road to be cleared, she added.
Robello advised the commuting public to give more time to travel to reach their destinations on time.
“Give yourself lead time not only to be prompt in arriving at your destination but also to ensure safety while traveling”, he said.*