CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completed the reconstruction of a 136-lineal meter concrete slope protection structure in Laur, Nueva Ecija.

The P15.01-million project located along Jct. Tablang-Gabaldon Road was funded under the 2023 national budget.

DPWH Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineer Elpidio Trinidad explained that the structure is a single-scope parapet wall with steel sheet pile foundations.

“It is a crucial measure that aims to mitigate soil erosion and sediment runoff that could adversely impact an average of 5,100 daily motorists, as indicated by the DPWH Geographic Information System-2022 Annual Average Daily Traffic data,” he pressed.

The road, strategically located along the banks of the Pampanga River, faces increased susceptibility to erosion due to its proximity to the waterway.

Trinidad furthered that the initiative not only addresses immediate road damage concerns but also aims to enhance the road's resilience against potential environmental challenges posed by its proximity to the river.

“The project involves reblocking damaged pavements, measuring 45 meters long and 3.05 meters wide, to improve the condition and carrying capacity of Tablang-Gabaldon Road after damages caused by different tropical disturbances, particularly Super Typhoon Egay in July 2023,” he disclosed.

Meanwhile, Assistant District Engineer Robert Jay Panaligan underscored the importance of the rehabilitation project.

“The secondary road serves as a crucial access point for travelers from the capital city of Palayan and the municipalities of Laur and Gabaldon in Nueva Ecija and Dingalan, Aurora,” he shared.

Motorists can now expect a more resilient road infrastructure, with safety upgrades anticipated to protect them from potential accidents and enhance the efficient transportation of goods and services to their intended destinations. (MJSC/CLJD-PIA 3)