DPWH eyes revamp of Naga City avenue for commuter-friendly travel

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is planning to revamp M.T. Villanueva Avenue in Naga City to provide safer and more convenient travel for commuters and pedestrians.

In a social media post on Sunday, the DPWH said the proposed redesign of the avenue includes wider sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, public utility vehicle (PUV) stops and underground cabling.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo unveiled the design during Dizon’s visit to the city.

In a separate post, Robredo said the national government also committed to several other projects, including:

• the completion of the Naga Airport;
• the continuation of flood mitigation efforts under Oplan Kontra Baha, including dredging of the Naga River and Sagop Creek, as well as the opening and clearing of major waterways and drainage systems; and
• asphalt overlay works on General Luna Street and other major roads in Naga.

“He (Dizon) also announced that the work on M.T. Villanueva has finally been bid out. This will be the pilot for the entire country,” Robredo said.

Robredo added that National Electrification Administration Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda also joined the meeting to discuss the proposed underground cabling project, which will begin along M.T. Villanueva Avenue.

She said the collaboration between the DPWH and NEA is crucial in making Naga a model for urban mobility “towards a safer and more resilient” city.

Dizon also inspected the Mabolo-Almeda Bypass Road, which is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027.

The DPWH said the bypass road had remained idle for nearly five years.

Its completion is expected to help ease traffic congestion in Naga City, particularly for motorists traveling to the Visayas and Mindanao.

In February, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Robredo to discuss issues confronting the city.

Robredo earlier said she was certain the President would not raise political matters during the meeting.—MCG, GMA News