Two Additional Lanes Along Commonwealth Avenue
Motorists and commuters taking Commonwealth Avenue can now travel on a
wider roadway as DPWH recently added lanes along the southbound portion.
The Department of Public Works and Highways recently opened the additional
two lanes along Commonwealth Avenue to the public, widening Zuzuarregui
Street to Vila Beatriz Street from 5 lanes to 7 lanes.
The DPWH says that the project, which had an allocation of P41 million for
Phase 1 and P9 million for its Phase 2, involves the clearing of existing
illegal structures of about 392 Informal Settler Families or the ISFs,
construction of retaining wall, embankment, and road concreting.
In a released statement, the DPWH adds that the additional 2 lanes covering
391 lineal meters was a result of effective communication and coordination
between the stakeholders, the National Housing Authority, the local
government, and the Informal Settler Families or the ISF who were
previously occupying the road right-of-way.
Sec. Mark Villar, Department of Public Works and Highways
"Well, like I said, we work with them. We give them housing and financial
compensation. It's a win-win (situation). If you notice, page mayroon
kaming projects, hindi naman nagkakagulo dahil kami naman po ay
nakikipag-usap sa mga settlers and tinutulungan din naming sila para
makahanap ng malilipatan."
The department also highlights that the project also covers flood-control,
pedestrian-friendly components such as the installation of a 910-milimeter
diameter reinforced concrete pipe culvert or the RCPC, and construction of
concrete curb and gutter, and a 2.5-meter wide sidewalk.
According to the DPWH, another one lane will be added once the utility
posts are relocated.
Commonwealth Avenue is indeed one of the major thoroughfares in the
country. With the additional two lanes and with one more on the way, the
government is hoping that it will ease the traffic congestion in the area.