Laoag: The alternate road leading to SM Malls in Barangay Nangalisan via the Gilbert Bridge has been opened, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion in this city during the Yuletide season.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) executed the construction of the 2.7-kilometer road through the initiative of Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Alexander Marcos. The project, with a budget of PHP30 million, seeks to reduce traffic congestion along Airport Avenue and within the central business district.
The plan is to extend the road further, from Nangalisan to Barangay Tangid, once fully completed.
In a recent media interview, Laoag City Mayor James Bryan Alcid mentioned that public utility vehicles are restricted to dropping passengers only at the west side of the mall entrance to maintain smooth traffic flow. Additionally, a designated transport hub at the mall has been established for public utility vehicles to line up and pick up passengers.
‘This is just a dry run operation, and so far, it is going smoothly,’ Alcid stated. He also noted that a dialogue between the transport sector and mall management will be held to address any concerns that arise during the dry run.
Furthermore, the city government is working on repairing the stoplight at the Nangalisan crossing. This is intended to improve traffic flow from Gilbert Bridge to Rizal Street, especially during rush hours.
