The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) inaugurated a 561-meter four (4)-lane flyover in the Province of Bulacan on October 10, 2024, as part of the Arterial Road Bypass Project (ARBP), aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing road safety.
The completed structure dubbed Flyover No. 1, which bypasses an intersection in Guiguinto near the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Balagtas Exit, is part of the newly widened 12.5-kilometer road section under contract packages (CP) 1 and 2 of the Arterial Road Bypass Project (ARBP) Phase 3.
DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, joined by DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Second Secretary Kinoshita Akito representing Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Office Senior Representative Fukui Keisuke representing Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema, Bulacan 5th District Representative Ambrosio C. Cruz, Jr. and Guiguinto Mayor Agatha Paula A. Cruz, led the ceremonial ribbon cutting and unveiling of project marker during the program held at Flyover No. 1 in Barangay Tiaong, Guiguinto, Bulacan.
The event was also participated by Undersecretary Carlos G. Mutuc; DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Project Directors Benjamin A. Bautista and Soledad R. Florencio; Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario; Region 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino and Assistant Director Melquiades H. Sto Domingo; and Bulacan District Engineers Henry Alcantara, George DC. Santos, and Edgardo C. Pingol.
Secretary Bonoan, in his message, highlighted the importance of the flyover and its integration with the additional 11.65-kilometer two (2)-lane road, seven (7) short bridges, farm animal crossings, and drainage facilities, all of which are under CP 1 and 2 of ARBP Phase 3.
The project aims to facilitate smoother traffic flow for thousands of daily commuters and cargo vehicles, particularly those connecting to the NLEX and the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway, commonly known as Daang Maharlika.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain, in-charge of DPWH infrastructure flagship projects, said that completion of two (2) new lanes under Phase 3 for the entire stretch of Arterial Road Bypass Project from Barangay Borol, Balagtas all the way to Barangay Maasim, San Rafael will facilitate the south-bound traffic while the two (2) lanes earlier completed under Phases 1 and 2 will accommodate the north-bound traffic.
ARBP Phase 3, with a total costs of ₱5.26 Billion, was made possible through a ₱4.25 Billion loan from the Government of Japan facilitated by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Loan Agreement No. PH-P266.
This partnership is a testament to the on-going cooperation between the Philippines and Japan in pursuing infrastructure development for sustainable growth.
Construction of flyover involved the development of a 283.10-meter main bridge and approach spans of 138.66 meters and 139.38 meters. Additional safety features such as a concrete median barrier and solar-powered LED streetlights were also installed.
The newly constructed flyover and widened road are expected to accommodate approximately 15,000 vehicles daily, providing motorists with a more efficient route and reducing travel time across Bulacan.
Implemented by the DPWH UPMO - Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral) led by Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista with Project Manager Nelson T. Graza, the construction of CP 1 and 2 was carried out by contractor C.M. Pancho Construction, Inc., with project supervision by a joint venture of Pyunghwa Engineering Consultants, Ltd., Kyong-Ho Engineering & Architects Co., Ltd., and Woodfield Consultants, Inc.
Often referred to by motorists as the Plaridel Bypass Road traversing the towns of Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos, and San Rafael, the ARBP serves as a critical link between NLEX and Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway or Daang Maharlika to key areas in Bulacan.