The upgrading of Pavia Diversion Road is now complete to ensure smoother and safer travel from Iloilo City to Iloilo International Airport, along Iloilo-Capiz Road, and the neighboring province of Capiz and vice versa.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6) reported that the P15.59-million road upgrading project involves asphalt overlaying of Pavia Diversion Road, specifically from Barangay Cabugao Sur to the town proper.

The road improvement which was undertaken by the DPWH Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office included an overlaying of the existing 984-lineal meter, 2-lane concrete road with asphalt including provision of necessary pavement and road safety markings.

DPWH-6 OIC-Regional Director Sanny Boy O. Oropel said the diversion road serves as an alternate road from Iloilo City to Iloilo International Airport by-passing Sen. Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Avenue (Iloilo Diversion Road), passing along Pavia town proper based on the report of District Engineer Mario G. Soriano. Hence, its improvement is necessary and timely, considering the volume of vehicles plying Iloilo Diversion Road.

“Overlaying Pavia Diversion Road with asphalt will ensure a smoother and comfortable driving experience among

our motorists and road users. Asphalt road is durable and smooth; thus, the pavement can last longer than expected,” OIC-RD Sanny Boy O. Oropel said.

He added that “this road upgrading project will facilitate faster and more convenient travel to the airport, that would encourage more visitors to come to Iloilo City and to various tourist destinations in the province. This will also benefit motorists as asphalt roads are vehicle-friendly.”

To ensure safety of motorists, pedestrians, and the people in the community especially at night, Oropel said reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings and necessary warning signs are installed along the road.

“The pavement markings are visible at night that will guide our motorists to stay on their lanes, and will provide warning among our pedestrians not to go within the lane markings to avoid untoward incidents,” Oropel said.

On the other hand, Doriano said that asphalt road provides many benefits such as cost efficiency and reduced noise pollution. Overlaying roads with asphalt can improve the benefits for all road users and the environment.

“Roads play a crucial function in modern society, providing increased mobility for people, goods and services, hence, providing good roads will boost economy and easier access to basic services,” Soriano said.AAL/LAF/PIA6-Iloilo/DPWH