The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Negros Occidental 3rd District Engineering Office is currently implementing the improvement of an access road leading to Kabankalan airport.
The ₱50-million project involves the concreting of 2-kilometer, 6.7-meter wide and 0.28-meter thick road with the construction of grouted riprap for slope erosion protection and installation of reinforced concrete pipe culvert to serve as drainage.
Application of reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings to clearly delineate the road for the safety of motorists and riding public is also being conducted.
According to District Engineer Haydee M. Alunan, the concreting of the road section is significant as it will provide easy access to motorists both from city and communities in the upland portion of Brgy. Hilamonan.
“This road passes along a sugarcane plantation, hence, its improvement would provide better access for faster and easier transport of sugarcane products to Kabankalan City and to neighboring cities,” Alunan said.
“Ease of delivery of farm products would be experienced with this improvement, thus local economy could be enhanced,” she added.
Currently, Kabankalan City is developing a 105-hectare airport, situated in Brgy. Hilamonan.
“This road section is located along the thoroughfare of emerging airport, and its improvement will become one of the main channels going to the airport,” Alunan stressed.
The continuous road improvement is being undertaken to mitigate the projected increase in the volume of traffic once the airport becomes operational.