ILOILO City – Starting January 22, travel between Iloilo City, southern Iloilo, and the province of Antique will be faster with the full opening of the Iloilo River North Bank Road, commonly known as the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, to vehicular traffic.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 director Sanny Boy Oropel announced the full opening date, following the project’s soft launch on June 23, 2024, coinciding with the 126th founding anniversary of the DPWH.
During the soft opening, the road was accessible for jogging but closed to vehicles.
The P2.261-billion multi-year project, which began in November 2021, covers a five-kilometer, four-lane Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP) road. It connects Barangay Tabucan in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, to Barangay Cagbang in Oton, passing through the Iloilo Business Park and intersecting with the Iloilo Circumferential Road (C-1).
The road provides a critical link to Tigbauan and other southern municipalities.
To date, P1.591 billion has been released for the project, with an additional P300 million allocated under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
State-of-the-Art Features
The Iloilo Sunset Boulevard boasts a range of features designed to enhance functionality and aesthetics, including:
* a one-meter-wide median island with solar-powered LED lighting
* slope protection through stone masonry
* reinforced Concrete Pipe Culvert (RCPC) drainage on both sides
* sidewalks and bike lanes with ornamental solar LED lighting, complemented by fire tree and golden shower plantings
* as four-meter-wide esplanade with concrete pavers for pedestrians
* two 1,152-square-meter flat slab bridges with shared bike paths
* four viewing decks for recreational use
* eco-friendly destination
The project not only eases traffic congestion but also promotes sustainability and green spaces, aligning with the vision of former senator Franklin Drilon, a key proponent of the initiative.
The boulevard includes amenities such as bike lanes, walkways, and landscaped areas, making it a vibrant and eco-friendly destination for residents and visitors.
“Similar to the Iloilo River Esplanade, the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard provides bike lanes for cyclists and sports enthusiasts,” said Oropel.
The DPWH undertook the project as part of its commitment to decongesting traffic and providing safe, reliable infrastructure. A comprehensive feasibility study ensured the project adhered to DPWH policies.
Beyond improving traffic flow, the boulevard strengthens connectivity between Iloilo City and surrounding municipalities, fostering economic growth and community unity./PN
