CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completed the P95.72 million road and drainage improvements along the 1.785 kilometer-section of Daang Maharlika in barangay Castellano in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija.
 
Implemented by Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office and funded under the 2021 national budget, it covers concreting and asphalting of road shoulders with a total width of 1.70 meters on each side.
 
“This is to fully maximize the use of the existing road as well as cater to slow-moving vehicles while accommodating large volume of traffic,” District Engineer Elpidio Trinidad said.
 
A drainage canal, sidewalk, and combined curb and gutter were also built to maintain the safety of motorists traveling on the road network.
 
“Our office used High Density Polyethylene Pipe, a strong and high impermeable drainage pipe with 1000 mm diameter that can ensure the proper flow of water in times of heavy rainfall. With the new drainage system in place, we are expecting that flooding problems in barangay Castellano will be mitigated,” he furthered.
 
The drainage structure was likewise designed to convey excess water to a larger drainage system such as the Peñaranda River and prevent the stagnation of water in the carriageway.
 
“Saturated pavements affect road performance and often result in its rapid deterioration, causing road accidents and discomfort to public motorists and commuters,” Trinidad explained.
 
Per DPWH’s annual average daily traffic counts, a total of 22,546 vehicles passed through the Castellano section of Daang Maharlika in 2020. This makes it one of the busiest road networks. (CLJD-PIA 3)