DAVAO CITY (May 24) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, May 24, led the inauguration of Davao River Bridge widening project, which is expected to ease traffic congestion in the city and improve movement of goods and services.
“Today’s inauguration of the new and improved Davao River Bridge symbolizes this administration’s commitment to usher in an era of rapid infrastructure development,” President Duterte said in his speech.
“Aside from this bridge being widened from four to six lanes, it is now made of much better and more durable materials as well as equipped with various installations and markers for the safety and convenience of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic,” he added.
With the new bridge, Duterte said travel time along the Davao City Diversion Road will be greatly reduced, “thereby contributing to substantial savings for motorists and providing more convenience to the traveling public”.
He added that it will also improve the movement of much needed goods and services, which will help in bringing prices down and encourage greater economic activity.
He acknowledged the efforts of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other stakeholders in ensuring the completion of the project.
“Your contributions will greatly benefit the people of Davao City and its surrounding areas,” Duterte said.
“The successful implementation of this project gives me confidence that we can achieve even greater feats in the years ahead,” he added.
The Chief Executive also encouraged the DPWH and other government agencies and local government units to continue contributing to the “Build, Build, Build” program and to fast track the implementation and execution of other crucial infrastructure projects that will improve the well-being, connectivity and mobility of the Filipino people.
“As we set ourselves to the task of building our nation, I invite everyone to become agents of hope and catalysts for progress,” he said.
“Your participation will be crucial in effecting meaningful and lasting changes for our countrymen. So let us all work together to realize our dream of a more peaceful, orderly and prosperous Philippines,” he added.
Meanwhile , Duterte directed the Highway Patrol Group to clear the Diversion Road of parked vehicles especially at night to prevent accidents and traffic buildup.
“This is a vital artery that moves the traffic outside of the city… Kailangan bukas iyan, and it behooves upon one entity to enforce that– that is the Highway Patrol. No parking, lalo sa gabi,” he said.
The P345 million Davao River Bridge widening project connecting Ma-a and Buhangin along the Carlos P. Garcia Highway, also known as Diversion Road, aims to alleviate the traffic congestion along the busy road sections in the city.
Davao River bridge has been widened from two to six lanes to accommodate 31,576 motorists per day paving way for better opportunities in tourism and economic development of the city.-PND
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