Several major infrastructure projects have been initiated to alleviate road congestion in Nueva Vizcaya. These include the Nueva Vizcaya-Benguet road, Nueva Vizcaya-Pangasinan road, Solano-Bayombong By-Pass road, and the Bambang By-Pass road projects.
While these efforts are expected to provide significant relief, the increasing vehicle volume and economic activity in both Nueva Vizcaya and the wider Cagayan Valley region necessitate additional measures.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported that the completed Bambang By-Pass Road will benefit approximately 25,000 travelers per day, significantly easing congestion in the town proper and enhancing the area’s tourism, employment, and economic potential.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has also prioritized traffic management, preparing resources from national and local agencies to address not only natural disasters but also the heavy traffic during holidays and long weekends, when travelers flood the region.
Congestion
Provincial Director Jectopher Haloc of the Coordinated Traffic Management Efforts Philippine National Police (PNP) highlighted the collaboration between local law enforcement, government agencies, and private contractors to manage traffic around roadwork sites in Diadi, Bagabag, and Sta. Fe, as well as the Asphalt Overlay Project near Batu Ferry Bridge in Bambang.
“We’ve managed to ease congestion during road construction by suspending reblocking efforts during peak travel times, such as the holidays. Our partnership with contractors and local officials has been key in minimizing delays and ensuring smoother traffic flow.” said Haloc.
Haloc also noted that slow-moving trucks, especially on steep highway sections, remain a significant cause of traffic congestion. He called for greater discipline and cooperation from all drivers to reduce bottlenecks.
“Trucks traveling at speeds as low as 5 kilometers per hour on inclines create a ripple effect that hampers the flow of other vehicles,” he explained. “We also need better driver discipline, especially when it comes to overtaking or obstructing traffic.”
He also expressed support for a proposed ordinance requiring a 40-meter gap between trucks to allow other vehicles to pass more easily.
Combatting Overloading
One of the most pressing issues contributing to road deterioration and traffic congestion is the overloading of trucks.
The strict enforcement of the Anti-Overloading Law (Republic Act 8794), which regulates truck weight limits, has become a priority for the local government of Nueva Vizcaya.
Overloaded trucks accelerate the wear and tear on roads and bridges, while breakdowns and accidents caused by mechanical failures worsen traffic conditions.
To address this, the provincial government has requested a co-management agreement with the DPWH for the weighbridge in Aritao, which monitors truck weights.
If approved, this partnership will allow for better monitoring and collection of fines for violations.
From 2023 to 2024, the composite team from DPWH, LTO, and PNP made 3,161 apprehensions at the Aritao weighbridge.
However, truckers have expressed concerns that stricter weight enforcement may disrupt the supply of goods to and from the region.
DPWH Assistant Regional Director Editha Babaran explained that the maximum allowable Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 45 tons is based on international standards.
She emphasized that any proposal to increase the GVW limit must be supported by in-depth studies to ensure infrastructure can handle the additional load.
Law Enforcement
For his part, Isabela Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III, chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC), expressed strong backing for the strict enforcement of the Anti-Overloading Law, stressing its importance in preserving the region’s road infrastructure.
Key recommendations during the RDC-Infrastructure Committee – nitiated dialogue with concerned government agencies and truckers in the region include the timely implementation of road-widening projects, particularly on the steep sections of Maharlika Highway between Diadi and Sta. Fe, as well as the upgrading of roads and bridges to meet the growing demands of transportation and economic development.
“We may not solve all the traffic issues overnight, but this summit marks the beginning of a more collaborative approach,” said Provincial Jail Warden Carmelo Andrada, the lead convenor of the recently-conducted First Provincial Traffic Management Summit .
The traffic management challenges facing Nueva Vizcaya are complex, but with continued collaboration and concerted efforts from all sectors—government, law enforcement, private contractors, and the public—there is hope for a more efficient and sustainable solution. (OTB/BME/NVizcaya) PIA Photos
