The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday reported the completion of preventive maintenance works on crucial sections of the Davao City Diversion Road, enhancing connectivity and the daily travel of motorists and commuters in the city.

According to DPWH Regional Office 11 Director Juby Cordon, the asphalt overlaying works on a 5.76-kilometer section of the diversion route is a vital measure in fortifying the infrastructure’s resilience, further reinforcing longer operational life.

“The preventive maintenance works of Davao City Diversion Road is one of the routine activities to maintain good road conditions, thereby preventing the need for total rehabilitation, thus contributing to the economic development of its town corridors,” the DPWH official said in a statement.

The Davao City Diversion Road serves as an alternative route to help decongest traffic in the major areas of Davao City and improve road access to daily commuters, particularly benefiting the business districts and communities, including Buhangin, Maa, Matina, and Toril.

The PHP96.5-million project was funded under the 2024 DPWH Infrastructure Program, and implemented by DPWH Davao City District Engineering Office.

At the same time, the DPWH finished the installation of the slope protection netting along a 140-meter mountainous section of Vallehermoso-La Castellana Road in Barangay Tagbino, Vallehermoso, Negros Occidental to mitigate the risk of landslides.

In a separate statement, the DPWH Negros Oriental 1st District Engineering Office reported that the PHP110.98-million rockfall netting improvement project include the installation of an active wire mesh system, which not only is a cost-effective erosion control but also blends with the surrounding environment and preserves natural landscape.

The completed project now provides reliable access for the transportation of goods and reaching essential facilities in the vicinity.

The DPWH said that before the installation of the rockfall netting project, disruptions in local transportation and access to critical public facilities had been a common problem due to falling debris during heavy rainfall and seismic activities.

The Vallehermoso-La Castellana Road is a vital passageway that connects the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental — a major route for vehicles carrying agricultural products. (PNA)