Saturday, October 13, 2018

EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Victorias Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, Silay Mayor Mark Golez, Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares, Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko, DPWH Regional Director Lea Delfinado, and Victorias Vice Mayor Jerry Jover (l-r) at the stakeholders meeting in Talisay City, yesterday*

A feasibility study and detailed engineering design for a proposed P15 billion Bacolod–Victorias Coastal Road Project has started, Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Lea Delfinado said yesterday.

She said they expect to start actual work on the project that is part of the Bacolod–Negros Occidental Economic Highway Program by 2020.

The proposed coastal road will have an approximate length of 37 kilometers from the Bacolod Junction point to the proposed Victorias Roro Port, and will traverse eleven bridges from Talisay to Victorias, she added.

Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said the coastal road will improve mobility and decongest the national highway, provide opportunities for shoreline protection, develop more land reclamation, and ensure flood control measures.

Benitez led the coordination and consultative meeting with the DPWH and key stakeholders of the project in Talisay City yesterday, for alignment of the road network, and to address concerns such as social and environmental impact before the start of the feasibility study and the detailed engineering design.

Benitez and Delfinado rallied for the full support of all stakeholders for the project that would bring more development initiatives to Negros Occidental, they said.*