The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has pledged to work non-stop to resolve the heavy traffic situation on Andaya Highway in the Sipocot-Ragay-Lupi route in Camarines Sur, caused by road slips and ongoing repairs.
The congestion stretched up to 17 kilometers on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, leaving motorists stranded for hours.
In a statement, DPWH Bicol Regional Information Officer Lucy Castaneda said efforts are underway to reopen the road to two-lane traffic before Christmas Eve.
“By tomorrow or the next day, puwede na po 'yun maging two lanes... ang instruction ni Director is to work 24/7 po,” Castaneda said on Thursday, December 19.
To expedite the process, DPWH Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte directed engineering offices from neighboring districts to assist.
Equipment and personnel have been deployed to the area affected to support steel sheet pile driving and backfilling operations.
DPWH has also coordinated with local authorities, including the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Ragay Enforcement Team, to manage vehicle flow and issue tickets to traffic violators.
MULTIPLE ROAD ISSUES
Traffic congestion on Andaya Highway is caused by multiple road issues and a closed section of the Maharlika Highway.
In Barangay Kabatuhan, Labo, Camarines Norte, a road slip has rendered Maharlika highway inaccessible for heavy vehicles, as the alternate route through Capalonga is only suitable for light vehicles.
Several sections of the Andaya Highway have been reduced to a single lane due to two road slips in Barangay Bulawan, Lupi, Camarines Sur, and another road slip in Barangay Cabutagan.
Adding to the congestion, an ongoing project in another area of Barangay Cabutagan has also contributed to the one-lane traffic flow.
ALTERNATE ROUTE FOR LIGHT VEHICLES
To ease the burden on Andaya Highway, motorists headed to Daet, Camarines Norte from Manila, or vice versa, are advised to take the alternate route:
- Start: Maharlika Highway
- Turn: Left after Rizal Elementary School onto Sta. Elena-Capalonga Coastal Road
- Continue: Through Minasag Bridge
- Rejoin: Maharlika Highway
Travelers are urged to remain cautious and patient as the DPWH works round-the-clock to resolve the issue.
