Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar on Friday, October 1, 2021 led the opening of the 8.72-kilometer San Fernando-San Juan Section of the Bauang-San Fernando-San Juan By-Pass Road in the province of La Union.
A ceremonial drive-thru was led by Secretary Villar together with La Union 1st District Congressman Pablo C. Ortega, and DPWH Region 1 Director Ronnel M. Tan to formally open the new road that is seen to decongest Manila North Road in San Fernando City and San Juan.
The opening of the new Bypass Road was also attended by DPWH Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut, Undersecretary Eduardo S. Ramos Jr., Assistant Secretary Wilfredo S. Mallari, Assistant Secretary Mel John I. Verzosa, DPWH Region 1 Asst. Director Emmanuel W. Diaz, and other public works and local officials.
“Motorists can now use the 8.72-kilometer San Fernando-San Juan Section of the Bauang-San Fernando-San Juan By-Pass Road. This completed segment traversing rice fields will be helpful to the locals, especially famers in the area,” said Secretary Villar.
Secretary Villar cited the accomplishments of DPWH that significantly contributed to the development of Ilocos Region.
“I’m really thankful for DPWH Region 1 under the outstanding leadership of Director Tan. May his demonstrated ability, kind of work ethic, and determination inspires others to go above in performance”, added Secretary Villar.
In his project briefing, Director Tan said the San Fernando-San Juan Section from Jct San Fernando-Bagulin Road, Camansi, San Fernando to Jct Manila North Road (MNR), Taboc, San Juan covers road opening, portland cement concrete paving (PCCP), drainage, shoulder, slope protection works, provisions of pavement markings and signage.
The project also includes the construction of 4-lane Talogtog Bridge and approaches with a length of 46.70 lineal meters and construction of Abut Bridge with a length of 21.20 lineal meters.
This new road will benefit about 32,000 motorists per day to decongest MNR along San Fernando City and San Juan and reduce travel time from 30 minutes to just 15 minutes.
DPWH has so far allocated a total of P810 Million for the project. Currently under civil works involve the construction of portions in San Juan and Bauang.
Envisioned as a 22.190-kilometer bypass road, Bauang-San Fernando-San Juan By-Pass Road will cost about P1.57 Billion in total and the required P764 Million funding to complete the project will be proposed from 2023 to 2025 to cover the construction and opening of remaining segments in San Fernando City.