DPWH eyes 1,800 kms of expressways in six years

Public Works Secretary (DPWH) Manuel Bonoan on Thursday (US time) said his department is planning to develop up to 1,800 kilometers of expressways within the next six years.

In an economic briefing in New York, Bonoan said this is an increase from the 510 kilometers at present.

Bonoan said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is coming up with a big road network development program that will provide inter-regional linkages to ease traffic congestion.

“We plan to implement what we call a high standard highway network in the Philippines that will include the development of expressways from 510 kilometers at this time to about 1,800 kilometers within the next six years or so,” he said.

He added that the DPWH is planning to build more bypasses and expressways in and out of the National Capital Region.

Citing a study from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Bonoan said the Philippines lost $3 million daily due to traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, Bonoan said DPWH is also constructing several bridges across Pasig River. He added that the plan is to construct six more bridges in Metro Manila to address the traffic problem.

Bonoan is part of the official Philippine delegation that accompanied President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to his six-day working visit to the United States. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News