LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) — The restoration of two-way traffic on the highways in Camarines Sur has enabled motorists and commuters returning to the National Capital Region from Southern Luzon provinces to experience smoother travel.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) restored normal traffic flow by suspending road repairs on major highways in Camarines Sur starting at noon on December 22, 2024.
This suspension will remain in effect until January 15, 2025, with some lane closures on the Andaya Highway and Maharlika Highway lifted.
These closures were originally implemented to repair roads that were damaged by rains caused by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” in October, along with the subsequent shear line that affected the area.
DPWH-Bicol Director Virgilio Eduarte said that while road repairs are urgent, addressing vehicular congestion during the holidays is a higher priority.
Before the suspension of roadworks on Dec. 22, the line of vehicles at the then single-lane highway stretched from 7 to 10 kilometers.
Drivers complained of heavy traffic congestion along the Andaya and Daang Maharlika Highway.
Following the report of a traffic crisis to Presidential Communications Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez by state media in the Bicol region, several government agencies, including the DPWH, the Land Transportation Office, and the Philippine National Police, developed a strategic plan to address the gridlock.
As of the latest update, law enforcement officials overseeing post-holiday traffic have announced that a smooth traffic flow is now being observed in the previously problematic sections of the highway in Del Gallego town, Camarines Sur (PIA 5)
(Cover photo credit: PNP TOC, Del Gallego MPS)
