ILOILO City – Thousands of foreign and local tourists flocked to the world-renowned Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, as it re-opened to the public on Oct. 26, hence it is anticipated that roads will be congested.
To address the heavy traffic that may be brought by the re-opening of the island, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Aklan District Engineering Office has completed the repair of the 554-meter road leading to Caticlan Jetty Port in Malay, Aklan, which serves as the gateway to the island.
District Engineer Noel L. Fuentebella said the project, in the amount of P8.539 million, involves asphalt overlaying along the national road including road shoulder, repair of drainage systems, de-clogging of pipe culverts, installation of Reinforced Concrete (RC) pipes, construction of box culverts, and installation of metal frames and gratings. Application of thermoplastic pavement marking was also undertaken by the maintenance personnel of the District.
Fuentebella said that the improved road going to the Jetty port would help minimize traffic congestion that would eventually provide a more comfortable and stress-free travel to Boracay.
Meantime, the on-going widening of the Boracay Circumferential Road will be continuing despite the reopening of the island. The construction of the missing gap was already completed and DPWH is currently undertaking the widening of the whole circumferential road, which is expected to be completed next year.
DPWH has advised the public to manage their expectations when they visit Boracay after its re-opening since the widening would not be completed easily considering the obstructions and structures that need to be removed to pave way for the project.
“Once the road widening is completed, we expect that traveling within the island would be more fun, more comfortable and safer,” Fuentebella said./PN
