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A new milestone was reached by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Davao City Bypass Construction Project with excavation works for the 2.3-kilometer twin tube road mountain tunnel now conducted at four (4) areas north and south portals. 

DPWH Undersecretary and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain together with Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Economic Affairs Minister Masahiro Nakata and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto led on June 9, 2022 the ceremonial kick-off of excavation activities for south portal tunnel southbound direction.

Undersecretary Sadain, in-charge of Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations, explained that the road tunnel construction works using cutting-edge equipment and technologies were earlier started at north portal on November 19, 2021 for southbound direction and December 10, 2021 for northbound direction while excavation activities from opposite end at south portal northbound direction commenced last May 12, 2022. 

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Simultaneous tunnel portal construction activities on both ends will fast-track the completion of the soon to be first-ever long distance road mountain tunnel in the Philippines, Undersecretary Sadain said. 
Based on the report of Undersecretary Sadain to DPWH Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado, construction of road tunnel at north portal has reached 202 meters at southbound and 91 meters at northbound.


The construction of road tunnel involves excavation of tunnel portal areas using the conventional "New Austrian Tunneling Method”, mucking or removal of soil from tunnel interior, initial shotcrete to protect from risk of fall materials and to prevent loosening during shotcrete application, steel ribs installation to provide effective structural protection, second shotcrete with wire mesh to secure stability, and rock bolt installation to provide bearing force and become a part of tunnel support system. 


The kick-off ceremony, following Filipino and Japanese traditions, at Barangay Matina Biao, Davao City was also attended by Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. representing Davao City Mayor-elect Sebastian Z. Duterte; DPWH UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral) Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista; Embassy of Japan 1st Secretary Jumpei Tachikawa; JICA Representative Ochi Kaoru; Davao City District Engineer Richard Ragasa; Project Managers  Joselito Reyes and Joweto V. Tulaylay; Engrs. Juan M. DiƱa Jr. and Earl Nicholas F. Rada; and officers of the consultants Nippon Koei Ltd., Katahira & Engineers International, Nippon Engineering Consultants Co., and PhilKoei International Inc.

The 45.5-kilometer Davao City Bypass Construction Project is divided into six (6) contract packages (CP) with the on-going CP 1-1 covering a 10.7 kilometers of 4-lane highway and 18.9 kilometers CP 1-2 and CP 1-3 under procurement stage financed by Official Development Assistance (ODA) from JICA thru the Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) Loan Agreement Nos. PH-P261 and PH-P273.  While for funding by the Government of the Philippines are CP 2-1, CP 2-2 and CP 2-3 with a total length of 15.9 kilometers. 



The opening of new road networks through the Davao City Bypass Construction Project is expected to usher more development opportunities as it will greatly improve Davao City's accessibility and traffic condition.

“On behalf of DPWH, I would like to thank the Government of Japan thru JICA together with other development partners Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Export Import Bank of Korea, and Export-Import Bank of China for taking a great part in bolstering the Philippines’ stride to reach the peak of infrastructure development through the “Build, Build, Build” Program that will elevate living condition and benefit every Filipino”, added Undersecretary Sadain.


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Other than the tunnel, CP 1-1 awarded to Shimizu – Ulticon - Takenaka  joint venture involves construction of four (4)-lane road with a length of 7.9 kilometers; three (3) pairs of bridges with total length of 500 meters including the Davao River Bridge; two (2) underpasses and two (2) overpasses; 12 waterways culverts; and four (4) at-grade intersection.

Starting from Davao-Digos section of the Pan-Philippine Highway in Brgy Sirawan, Davao City going to Davao-Panabo section of the Pan-Philippine Highway in Brgy J.P. Laurel, Panabo City, the project is expected to ease traffic situations along the areas.

The completion of the entire bypass road project will slash travel time to under 49 minutes from the usual 1 hour and 44 minutes.

Source: DPWH



DPWH works simultaneously on both ends of 2.3km Davao City Mountain Tunnel


Metro East will feel a little ease with this good news!



After five months of repair works by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Marcos Bridge along Marcos Highway in Marikina City is again fully-accessible to vehicles.

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DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar led on Thursday, October 31, 2019 the formal re-opening of both the eastbound and westbound side of newly strengthened Marcos Bridge which will benefit motorists and commuters from the eastern Metropolitan areas as they can now traverse the bridge without having to worry about its structural integrity.



Secretary Villar was joined in the event by DPWH NCR Director Ador Canlas, Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, JH Pajara Construction President Jaime H. Pajara, and DPWH First Metro Manila District Engineer Medel Chua.

“As an integral access to Quezon City from the east of Rizal province, rehabilitation works on the bridge after its 40 years of service are necessary to ensure the safety and convenience of the public,” Secretary Villar said.



Due to the massive traffic congestion the construction caused, major repairs of the bridge were hastened.

Just this August, the second phase of the project have made the westbound lanes closed to traffic while the first phase, likewise, have made the eastbound lanes, closed to traffic last May 25.
“The rehabilitation was initially targeted to finish on April 2020 but considering the volume of motorists and commuters affected, the DPWH National Capital Region went 24/7 to finish the project as early as possible,” Villar said.


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The Secretary also added that the completion of the project is timely in the observance of the All Souls’ and Saints’ day where people are expected to flock cemeteries such as Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City.

The P213.46 million project included redecking of 315-l.m. slab, strengthening of girders, and replacement of expansion joints, concrete sidewalks, railing and drain pipes.


OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN THE PHILIPPINES


DPWH reopens Marcos Bridge in Marikina


National and local government officials headed by Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar led the opening on Saturday of the Sta. Monica-Lawton Bridge, now known as Kalayaan Bridge.

The bridge has been given its new name after its inauguration while the country celebrated its 123rd Independence Day.


Villar said the opening of Kalayaan Bridge connecting Lawton Avenue in Makati City and Sta. Monica Street in Pasig City to motorists is a fitting Independence Day gift of President Rodrigo Duterte to the Filipino people
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He said the general public will be relieved from traffic congestion going in and out of Makati/BGC Taguig and Pasig/Mandaluyong City with the opening of the infrastructure project.

“With the opening of this bridge, DPWH is a few steps closer to completing the entire BGC-Ortigas Center Link Road Project that will reduce travel time between Bonifacio Global City and Pasig City/Mandaluyong City to only 12 minutes,” Villar said in a statement.

The DPWH chief said extensive coordination, collaboration and adapting to the new normal helped the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) team overcome the challenges in the execution of the project through the pandemic.

Undersecretary Emil Sadain, in charge of DPWH UPMO Operations said the 1.367-kilometer BGC-Ortigas Center Link Road Project involves the construction of Sta. Monica-Lawton Bridge, rehabilitation and widening of 362-meter Brixton (corner Reliance Street) to Fairlane Street.

Also, the construction of the 565-meter Lawton Avenue – Global City Viaduct which will traverse Lawton Avenue to the entrance of BGC is part of a bigger Edsa Decongestion Program.

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The viaduct structure traversing Lawton Avenue up to the entrance of BGC is targeted for completion by the last quarter of 2021.

When fully completed, the bridge and road project will be able to accommodate as much as 20 percent of the traffic volume of Edsa and C-5 Road.



The ceremonial opening of the bridge was attended by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea; Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade; BCDA chairman Vince Dizon; MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos; and DPWH Assistant Secretary Wilfredo Mallari.

Also in attendance were Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo; Makati City Rep. Luis Campos; Taguig City Rep. Maria Laarni Cayetano; Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto; Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay; Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano; DPWH Project Directors Virgilio Castillo, Benjamin Bautista, Ramon Arriola, and Johnson Domingo; DPWH Project Manager Ricarte MaƱalac and Project Engineer Emmanuel Regodon; and other government officials.

via PNA

Kalayaan Bridge opened on Independence Day

Central Luzon Link Expressway CLLEX

EXPRESSWAY LEADING CABANATUAN CITY TO PARTIALLY OPEN BY DECEMBER 2020

CLLEX opens by December 2020


The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will soon open the Maitim and Kaybagal Section of the ongoing 4-lane Tagaytay Bypass Road Project in Tagaytay City, Cavite.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said that the soon-to-be-opened sections with combined length of 1.54-kilometer is the initial segments of the project which is envisioned as an 8.59-kilometer bypass road that will divert traffic within the congested city roads of Tagaytay, running through Luksuhin, Sikat, Zambal, Guinhawa, Patutong Malaki, Balagbag, Salaban, Kaybagal, and Maitim road sections.
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“The opening of these two (2) sections this October is only the beginning as we have been prioritizing the inclusion of Tagaytay Bypass Road Project in the national budget since 2018,” said Secretary Villar.

According to Secretary Villar, Tagaytay Bypass Road when completed will reduce to only 20 minutes travel time from Alfonso towards Tagaytay City, saving as much as 33 minutes from the usual 53 minutes down.

Aside from the Maitim and Kaybagal Section, DPWH is currently implementing road opening and concreting at the 746-meter Balagbag Section, road opening of 1.32-kilometer Salaban Section, road concreting of 590-meter Guinhawa Section; and road opening and concreting of 580-meter Patuto Section 3.

DPWH has so far released an amount of P466.24 Million for the ongoing and completed sections of the bypass road project.

To complete the entire road project, DPWH will need an additional P1.08 Billion in funds for the road opening, concreting and road right-of-way acquisition of the remaining sections at Salaban, Patuto, Guinhawa, Zambal, Sicat, Luksuhin.


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Also check out my list of 5 Tagaytay Hotels with breathtaking view of Taal


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DPWH to open sections of Tagaytay Bypass Road this month

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It is all systems go for the ceremonial inauguration of the Binondo - Intramuros Bridge Project, a much anticipated new bridge over Pasig River with attractive arch design that will become a new iconic landscape in Manila. 



Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain confirmed during Sunday night inspection, April 3, 2022, that the beautifully designed bridge is ready for the upcoming inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. 

Binondo - Intramuros Bridge at night

“With the bridge's opening, there will be a new and faster connectivity between Binondo and Intramuros which are two (2) of the most busy districts in the City of Manila”, said Undersecretary Sadain, in-charge of DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations. 

Secretary Roger G. Mercado said that the bridge is anticipated to cater to over 30,000 motorists daily and will improve traffic condition in Metro Manila.

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Construction of the new iconic bridge is under the Philippines-China government-to-government cooperation projects which aim to improve road network and increase transportation capacity in Metro Manila.

Binondo - Intramuros Bridge

Binondo - Intramuros Bridge is among the two (2) China-grant bridges under the “Build, Build, Build" Program, the overarching program of infrastructure development and centerpiece of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administration’s legacies for the Filipino people. 

The first bridge is the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge which was inaugurated by the President last July 2021.



Implemented by DPWH-UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral) headed by Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista with Project Manager Melchor Kabiling as overall project in-charge, the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge with a total length of 680-lineal meter involves the construction of four-lane 70 meters long and 21.65 meters wide basket-handle tied steel arch bridge connecting Intramuros at Solana Street and Riverside Drive and Binondo at Rentas Street and Muelle dela Industria having a viaduct structure over Estero de Binondo.

Another exit ramp in Binondo at Plaza del Conde Street will be opened by middle of April 2022.

The Binondo-Intramuros Bridge was designed in accordance with the new seismic specifications and taking into consideration the impact of climate change.



With cycling a reliable, sustainable, and alternative mode of transportation, bicycle riders may pedal worry-free on dedicated lane visibly marked by reflective thermoplastic road line.

Binondo - Intramuros Bridge in day time

The bike lane in both sides are located directly adjacent to vehicle travel lanes and follows the same direction as motor vehicle traffic.


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Meanwhile, the fabricated access staircases for the built-in protected pedestrian walkways in the extended off side of the bridge is expected to arrive from Shanghai, China by May and will be completely installed within one (1) month period or by June 2022. 

Last June 12, 2021, the department inaugurated the Kalayaan Bridge which connects cities like Makati, Pasig and Taguig.

DPWH to Inaugurate Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila

laguna lakeshore expressway dike failed project laguna lake development project laguna lakeshore expressway dike open laguna lake reclamation project laguna lake flood control project laguna lake highway phase 2 calamba-los baƱos expressway

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the start this December 2021 of the detailed engineering design (D.E.D.) for the proposed Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project (LLRN).


This after DPWH Acting Secretary Roger "Oging" Mercado with Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations Emil K. Sadain; UPMO Roads Management Cluster 2 Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim; and Department Chief Accountant Mary Antoinette Z. Puno signed on November 22, 2021 the Consultant’s Services Contract for the D.E.D. of LLRN Project - Phase 1, a new road network at the western side of the Laguna Lake connecting Lower Bicutan, Taguig City and Calamba City, Laguna with a main alignment of 37.60 kilometers.


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This early, the millions of Filipinos are excited to witness and see how this new road project will change lives, said Secretary Mercado.

The parties to the contract agreement to conduct the D.E.D. are  Dr. Jovito Santos of Lead Consultant CTI Engineering International (CTII) Co., Ltd.; Junichiro Minobe of Chodai Co., Ltd.; Takashi Sato of Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd.; and Tenkoh Yoshida of Nippon Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd with CTII President & CEO Takahiro Mishina and DPWH UPMO Overall Project Manager for Asian Development Bank (ADB) Projects Soledad R. Florencio as witnesses.

These companies are first ranked joint venture firm in the procurement on August 25, 2021 of Consultancy Services for the D.E.D.


The ceremonial signing of Consultancy Contract was also attended by Country Director for the Philippines Mr. Kelly Bird and Southeast Asia Project Officer Mr. Shuji Kimura of ADB; LLRN Team Leader Project Manager Zenaida B. Mauhay; Project Manager Sol Abasa; and other officer of Associate Firms Angel Lazaro and Associates International, DCCD Engineering Corporation, TCGI Engineers, and KRC Environmental Services.


According to Undersecretary Sadain - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s designated Chief Implementer of Build Build Build (BBB) Program, the start of LLRN D.E.D. is another significant development in one (1) of the Department’s flagship infrastructure projects.

The LLRN Project will strengthen road transport efficiency towards Metro Manila and neighboring regions and will provide added opportunities to stakeholders -  more jobs will be created; traffic will be decongested; movement of goods and services will be a lot easier; and so much more benefits, said Undersecretary Sadain.



Under the contract agreement amounting ₱135.485 Million, the D.E.D. will be carried out for 15 months between December 2021 to February 2023. 


The D.E.D. will be funded by an additional financing of the ADB’s Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility (IPIF) under loan number 3886-PHI.


Upon strong representation of DPWH-UPMO, LLRN Project was approved by the NEDA ICC - Technical Board on March 17, 2021, and by the NEDA ICC - Cabinet Committee on September 27, 2021. The project was approved by the NEDA Board through an Ad Referendum on October 18, 2021.
The Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project - Phase I with a main alignment of 37.60 kilometer includes eight (šŸ˜Ž interchanges in Sucat, Alabang, Tunasan, San Pedro/Binan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, and Calamba.

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This two-lane primary road consists of 11.80 km viaduct from Lower Bicutan to Muntinlupa, and 25.80 km combination of onshore viaduct and embankment from Muntinlupa to Calamba.


The project will also consider the planned developments introduced by various local government units along its proposed alignment.

It will feature an additional one (1) lane in each direction from Sucat, Muntinlupa to Sta. Rosa, Laguna; a cycling track and promenade from Tunasan, Muntinlupa to San Pedro, Laguna.

via DPWH
laguna lakeshore expressway dike failed project laguna lake development project laguna lakeshore expressway dike open laguna lake reclamation project laguna lake flood control project laguna lake highway phase 2 calamba-los baƱos expressway

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DPWH to start Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project in December

Two (2) newly-completed parallel bridges built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) now facilitate better mobility and connectivity in the province of Agusan del Sur.

Constructed along Daang Maharlika (Agusan-Davao Section), the 189-lineal meter Andanan Bridge in Bayugan City and the 125-lineal meter Gibong Bridge located in the municipality of Prosperidad provide wider developmental growth and increase efficiency in the delivery of basic services along the area.
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DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado lauded DPWH Regional Office 13 headed by Director Pol M. delos Santos and Assistant Director Abdulfatak A. Pandapatan for completing both projects earlier than the target date despite challengers due to COVID-19 restrictions and unfavorable weather conditions.
“The two permanent bridges provide a much wider perspective on inter-regional connections that will help maintain a continuous flow of traffic even with the increased volume of vehicles passing through the Agusan-Davao section of Daang Maharlika”, said Secretary Mercado.

Meanwhile, DPWH Regional Office 13 has programmed for immediate funding the completion of approaches of the two bridges.
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Via DPWH

2 New Bridges Foster Inter-Regional Connectivity in Agusan Del Sur

SLEX
The western section consisting of two lanes in the southbound direction of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) was closed to traffic starting May 28, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Friday.

Parts of SLEX Soutbound lanes closed to traffic


Have you tried travelling Ilocos Norte before? It takes more or less 12 hours or half a day to reach it from Manila. But something will make a big change to what's used to be long drive to the Ilocos Region.

Manila to Ilocos can be shorten via TPLEX extension

cllex map cllex update 2021 cllex toll fee cllex owner cllex google map cllex exits cllex operator cllex bike

The 18-kilometer portion of the new expressway, which covers the Tarlac, Rio Chico River Bridge and Aliaga sections, will benefit around 11,200 motorists and commuters.

It is also expected to shorten the travel time of 70 minutes between the cities of Tarlac and Cabanatuan to just 20 minutes.

Duterte said the event marks another milestone in his administration’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

“This project will improve movement of goods going to and from Metro Manila and Central Luzon, which will be beneficial to entrepreneurs, consumers and the economy,” Duterte said in a keynote speech during the inauguration of the 18-kilometer Tarlac Interchange to Aliaga Section of CLLEX Project (Phase 1) in Tarlac City.

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He said the new expressway would also allow commuters to “spend more time for their families and other productive activities” since they need not endure a longer travel time.

“I am sure that our kababayans (fellow countrymen) will be pleased that the usual 70-minute travel between these two major cities in Central Luzon will be reduced to just 20 minutes,” he said. “This new expressway should greatly benefit commuters going to and from Metro Manila and Cabanatuan City with a shorter commute.”

Duterte also thanked the Japanese government for helping fund the construction of CLLEX in support of the Philippines’ “Build, Build, Build” program.

“The infusion of PHP12 billion by the Japan International Cooperation Agency or JICA attests to the indispensable role of Japan as one of our important partners in attaining inclusive program through infrastructure development,” he said.

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Duterte likewise lauded the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its partners for the “speedy, efficient, and timely” completion of the 18-kilometer section of the CLLEX.

He guaranteed his fellow Filipinos that his administration remains committed to fulfilling its promise of providing them a “more comfortable life.”

“And, this assurance includes the effective, efficient, safe and timely completion of major infrastructure and transportation-related developments,” Duterte said. “Just keep in mind that transparency, accountability and integrity must be upheld in all our development projects.”

Duterte also noted that the entire 30-kilometer CLLEX Project, once completed, will help improve access to several localities in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.

The DPWH has promised to complete the entire 30-kilometer expressway project within Duterte’s term, with the 10.30-kilometer Cabanatuan Section under Contract Package 4 already at 88.7 percent completion.


OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

 

via DPWH
cllex map cllex update 2021 cllex toll fee cllex owner cllex google map cllex exits cllex operator cllex bike

CLLEX opens its first 18km portion


This is the next big thing in Southeast part of Metro Manila!


Since the C6 Road or the Laguna Lake Highway was built and opened in Taguig, the traffic in the east side of the metro has been eased and the movement of the transportation from Rizal Province has been even faster than before. That's why I am also excited about this new expressway to be built in Taguig and the neighboring cities in Laguna.


ABOUT LAGUNA LAKESHORE EXPRESSWAY

The Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike is a proposed expressway in the Philippines that will start from the coastal area of Laguna de Bay from Taguig in Metro Manila to Calamba and Los BaƱos in Laguna.

Proposed Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike

The project will involve the construction of a 47-kilometre-long (29 mi), six-lane dike including bridges, pumping stations and ancillary flood gates.

The project also involve reclamation of 700 hectares west of and abutting the expressway-dike, separated from the shoreline by a 100-150 meter channel in Taguig and Muntinlupa.

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The project aims to provide a high-standard highway that will speed up traffic between the southern part of Metro Manila and Laguna, as well as a dike that would mitigate flooding in the western coastal communities along Laguna Lake.


The expressway will cost an estimated PHP36.74 billion or US$854.42 million. When constructed, it is expected to ease traffic congestion along Muntinlupa and Calamba area, and to serve as flood control measure for communities on the western shore of Laguna de Bay.


PROPOSED ROUTE

The route alignment starts from Bicutan, Taguig connecting to the proposed C-6 Expressway Road Project. It traverses southwards passing the city boundaries of Taguig, ParaƱaque and Muntinlupa in the southern part of Metro Manila and then continues further south passing the cities of San Pedro, BiƱan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, Calamba and ends up at Los BaƱos in Laguna, near its boundary with Bay.

The construction of the expressway dike is proposed to involve two sections:
  • from Bicutan to Calamba; and
  • from Calamba to Los BaƱos.

The project details for the Expressway Dike as of October 2013 indicated plans for a 41.54-kilometre-long (25.81 mi), four-lane dike, but the official announcement of the approved project in June 2014 indicated that it would be 47-kilometre-long (29 mi), and have six-lanes.


PROPOSED EASTERN SHORE PROJECTS

While the expressway dike hopes to alleviate flooding on the southwestern shore of Laguna de Bay, officials and planners have acknowledged that there is still a need to cope with the excess water volume in the lake itself, with urban planner Felino Palafox describing the situation as "like having a toilet without a flush."

As the expressway dike would alleviate flooding in the more metropolitan western shore of the lake, similar projects have been proposed which would prevent the additional water volume from causing larger-scale flooding on the eastern shore, which includes the coastal towns of Rizal province and of eastern Laguna Province.

These projects include the construction of a "Pacific spillway" from the lake to the east coast of Luzon, which would drain excess water from the eastern part of the lake; and the construction of the revamped Laiban Dam and Kaliwa Low Dams in Tanay, Rizal, which is projected to reduce the water flowing into the northeastern portion of the lake.

However, construction of the Pacific Spillway has been identified by the DPWH as a low priority, while the construction of the Tanay dams has been controversial, such that only the construction of the Kaliwa Low Dam has been approved as of the second quarter of 2014.


RECENT UPDATES


August 2012 Monsoon Floods and Initial Conception

The idea of "a dike around Laguna" to serve as "a flood-control system meant to protect flood-prone areas along Laguna Lake" was first seriously raised in 2012, in reaction to the damage wrought by the 2012 Metro Manila Monsoon Floods. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was tasked to take on the project.


Proposed Project Financing

President Aquino also said in the vernacular that "the best part [of the road dike project] is that it can be self-financing, ", explaining that the dike may be financed through reclamation:

"Ang proposal nung proponent is dahil may mare-reclaim nga ang bayad sa kanila something like a third of the reclaimed area mababayaran na yung combination dike and road that will open up a lot of areas around Laguna leading to development." (The proposal of the propinent is that since there is reclamation to be done, the payment to them could just be something like a third of the reclaimed area. That would pay for the combination dike and road that will open up a lot of areas around Laguna leading to development.)

In an interview the following day, Nereus Acosta announced in another interview that the project fell under Public-Private-Partnership program for the C-6 Extension, while in another interview, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson said the dike could be built under a "built-operate-transfer" scheme, meaning that the project would be financed and operated by a private agency for a period not exceeding 50 years, after which it would be taken over by the government.


May 2014 rejection due to environmental impact questions

The Expressway Dike Project was initially slated for approval by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in its May 29, 2014 Board meeting,with the inter-agency Investment Coordination Committee of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-ICC) endorsing the project for final approval by the board.

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It was initially rejected at that meeting, however, when some of the board members had questions about some of the environmental and technical aspects of the project.

The DPWH later announced that it would make the "necessary clarification" regarding the project's environmental impact, specifying that concerns raised in the meeting had included "the height of the dike, the construction of water circulation, the separation between the low-lying communities and the new islands that would be created as part of the reclamation, the establishment of pumping stations, among others." The department indicated that they hoped to get final approval for the project and be able to bid the project out "toward the end of 2014 or in the first quarter of 2015"


June 2014 Approval

In June 2014, the Expressway Dike Project was finally green-lighted for implementation.

The NEDA board deferred on the project again during their June 2, 2014 meeting, requesting the DPWH to prepare and submit materials to be presented at the June 19 meeting, specifying the DPWH's responses to specific questions raised by the NEDA board.

The project was finally approved during the June 19, 2014 board meeting, in which the board also approved the operation and maintenance of the Bohol Airport and of Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental. At P123-billion, this made the Expressway Dike the biggest PPP project under the administration of President Aquino.




Public-Private Partnership Center Cosette Canilao told Reuters that the auction process "will start within the next quarter."

Construction of the expressway dike was then slated to begin in "late 2015" and to finish in 2021.

On July 28, 2014, President Aquino cited the expressway dike in his 5th State of the Nation Address as one of the infrastructure projects approved by his administration as part of its disaster preparedness efforts.


What is Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike?

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