The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 6 has completed a pedestrian overpass equipped with two (2) elevators for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the elderly.
The state-of-the-art link for pedestrians was inaugurated by Ilonggo Senator and Senate President Franklin M. Drilon and DPWH 6 Regional Director Edilberto D. Tayao together with Iloilo City local executives on January 9, 2015, in time for the opening salvo of the 2015 Dinagyang Festival.
The 50.235 meters long and 3 meters wide overpass complete with lighting system has a P20-million funding amount from the Road Board and is one of the priority infrastructure projects of Senator Drilon.
Director Tayao said that this structure (overpass) would reduce traffic in the area as pedestrians, as well as persons with disabilities (PWDs) would be able to go to various establishments along the Iloilo Diversion Road without crossing the main road.
Meanwhile, operation of the existing dredger in Iloilo River for flood mitigation was augmented with the launching of a new dredger.
The new Watermaster Classic IV, acquired by the DPWH in the amount of P37.5 Million, was launched together with the inauguration of the pedestrian overpass.
The new dredger will be used to dredge the upstream of Iloilo River from Carpenters Bridge to Iloilo Circumferential Road, creating free water areas to bird sanctuaries near the Iloilo Bridge II.
The acquisition of a new dredger will speed up the cleaning and dredging of Iloilo River and its tributaries, thus leading to smoother flow of water and minimize if not totally eliminate river pollution.