The PHP30-million access road project in Barangay San Vicente Calasiao town, Pangasinan has boosted the accessibility and comfortable travel of residents and pilgrims to the Señor Divino Tesoro Shrine.

In a statement on Thursday, Department of Public Works and Highways-Ilocos Region (DPWH-Ilocos Region) information officer Esperanza Tinaza said the project involves the construction of a 1.5428-kilometer road and reinforced concrete pipe culvert (RCPC) drainage.

Tinaza said the construction started on Feb. 13 last year and was completed on Dec. 20, funded under the national budget and finished ahead of the May 2 patronal fiesta.

“The project also addresses longstanding challenges in transportation concerns of the residents,” she said, adding the old road lacked proper maintenance.

“With widened lanes and improved drainage, the upgraded road aims to streamline traffic flow, reduce travel time, and mitigate safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians alike,” Tinaza said.

In a phone interview on Thursday, municipal tourism officer Tammy Fernandez said they have recorded around 9,000 visitors to the church during the Holy Week this year alone.

She said the municipal government is hopeful that the access road project would further improve faith tourism in the town. (PNA)