DPWH accomplishes 30% of McArthur Highway rehab in Tarlac

The Department of Public Works and Highways has reported that the on-going rehabilitation of the Capas-San Manuel segment of the Manila North Road, more popularly known as the McArthur Highway, in Tarlac province is more than 30 percent complete.

DPWH Traffic Engineering and Management-Project Management Office Project Director Remedios Belleza disclosed that the P86-million project, which was awarded to the Northern Builders and commenced November of 2011, is on track to be finished come July this year.

"A total of nine intersections in this segment of the Manila North Road are undergoing improvement works wherein seven will be provided with traffic signals," said Belleza.

The traffic signal design will be fully-actuated with vehicle and pedestrian sensors capable of adjusting green time in accordance with the real traffic demand.

DPWH has also adopted the use of eco-friendly and energy-efficient Light Emitting Diode -based traffic signal lanterns in the traffic signalization project for McArthur Highway.

Belleza likewise said, "The contract also includes geometric improvement works at intersections, supply and installation of road signs and pavement markings, maintenance work for newly-installed traffic signal equipment, flasher and provision of spare parts and consumables."

In a press statement, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson explained, "The ongoing road improvement and traffic management measures is meant to reduce travel time and increase travel speed to the toll-free heritage thoroughfare which links Metro Manila to the picturesque locations in Northern and Central Luzon."

Upgrading of the historic McArthur Highway began last year with traffic signalization and ancillary works at 14 intersections of the Meycauayan, (Bulacan)-Mabalacat (Pampanga) segment. - PIA — ARA