About 83 percent of the Calbayog City Coastal Road Project is now completed after four years of implementation, the Regional Development Council’s regional project monitoring committee (RPMC) reported on Monday.

Construction of the PHP1.16-billion project meant to curb traffic jams in Calbayog’s commercial district has been implemented since 2018.

It involves the construction of a road, embankment, and bridge.

The government is eyeing to complete the project in 2025.

“The construction of the Calbayog City Coastal Road aims to create alternative routes in the city to decongest traffic in Calbayog City proper. However, certain segments of the already funded network have yet to break ground,” the RPMC reported.

It will start with the construction of a bridge across the Calbayog River since the work will affect the docking of motor boats carrying passengers and products to island communities.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Philippine Ports Authority will find a spot as a temporary dock for the motor boats.

“Calbayog City is a fast-growing commercial hub. With its flourishing economy comes the need for bigger and better thoroughfares to accommodate the increasing traffic volume and weight,” the DPWH Samar first district engineering office said in a separate statement.

From 2018 to 2021, the project’s work is centered on the construction of embankment and road with a total allotment of PHP1.14 billion.

Of the total, PHP333.71 million was released in 2018, PHP281.07 in 2019, PHP268.52 million in 2020, and PHP265.76 million in 2021.

The multi-year project that will build a 4.67-kilometer road and bridge will connect the villages of Rawis, San Policarpo, Aguit-itan, allowing vehicles to by-pass the busy road of Calbayog City’s commercial district. (PNA)