DPWH opens 2 new lanes of Plaridel Bypass

MANILA: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) inaugurated the two new westbound lanes of the Arterial Bypass Road Project, also known as Plaridel Bypass, in San Rafael, Bulacan on Monday.

According to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, the inaugurated section, which covers a 7.64-kilometer (km) road with a 36.86-meter (m) single-span bridge and a 318-m flyover, is part of the Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase 3, contract package 4.

The project started in 2020, however, it was delayed due to the restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, right of way acquisition, and limited funding.

Bonoan said that the new lanes are expected to help ease traffic and boost economic activities in the entire province of Bulacan.

The Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase 3 was funded by a loan agreement between the government and Japan International Cooperation Agency. It includes the widening of the entire 24.61-km stretch of the Plaridel Bypass traversing the municipalities of Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos, and San Rafael.

Including one of the longest bridges in Luzon across the Angat River which was completed in 2021, the widened portion of the Plaridel Bypass now stretches 9.97 km.

DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain said that the ongoing contract packages 1 and 2 are expected to be completed by the first half of 2024.

The Plaridel Bypass connects the North Luzon Expressway at station 34 + 900 in Balagtas with the Maharlika Highway at station 57 + 366 in San Rafael.

Photos from Department of Public Works and Highways

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