GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 15 Jan) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allocated around P11.7 million for the construction of a pedestrian overpass along a busy section of the national highway here.
Engr. Pio Lumongsod, head of the DPWH’s city engineering district, said the project is one of the structures approved for implementation in the city this year to help ease the worsening traffic congestion in major streets and highways.
He said the construction of the 28-meter structure has already started and is due for completion in 150 days or five months.
Lumongsod said the other overpass will soon be constructed near the junction of the national highway and Aparente St. here.
DPWH and city officials, led by Mayor Ronnel Rivera and South Cotabato (1st Dist.) Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr., recently led the simple ground breaking of the project at the junction of the Makar-Siguel highway and Rizal Street in Barangay Calumpang.
Acharon, who pushed for the project’s funding and implementation, said the completion of the structure will help ease vehicular traffic in the area that is usually worst during the rush hours due to crossing pedestrians.
“This is to endure the safety of pupils, students and residents who are regularly crossing or passing by this intersection,” he said.
The area where the pedestrian overpass is being constructed is within the city’s commercial and industrial zone.
The junction of the Makar-Siguel highway and Rizal Streets is close to food chain outlets and several other establishments.
The RD Group of Companies, which is owned by Mayor Rivera’s family, is building a shopping mall near the area.
Rizal Street is the main road leading to the General Santos City National High School – the city’s biggest public school – Romana C. Acharon Elementary School, H.N. Cahilsot Elementary School and the Antonio C. Acharon Sr. Sports Complex.
The Makar-Siguel national highway serves as the entry point of vehicles going to the city fishport complex, city international airport and four coastal towns in Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat provinces.