The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is pushing for the implementation of the 37.6-kilometer Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) project in the next administration.
In a statement, Emil Sadain, DPWH undersecretary and Build, Build, Build chief implementer, said last Tuesday’s meeting with the Laguna Lake Development Authority and the consultants undertaking the detailed engineering design (DED) activities provided the avenue for discussion in moving forward the technical, economic, social and environmental aspects of the development of the LLRN.
The meeting highlighted the government’s plans and strategies to smoothly implement the project that will strengthen road transport efficiency between Metro Manila and the neighboring province of Laguna to facilitate economic development, Sadain said.
The LLRN project Phase 1 covers Laguna Lake’s western side and involves the construction of a 37.6-km. mainline road, 6.1 kms. of local connecting roads and 7.3 kms. of interchanges and slip roads that stretch from Lower Bicutan all the way to Calamba City.
Sadain said discussions with the stakeholders on vital issues and concerns at this early stage will prevent challenges that may arise in the future implementation of the project.
The DED is being carried out for 15 months between December 2021 and February 2023, with technical and financial support from the Asian Development Bank via the Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility loan.
Last November, the DPWH signed a consultancy service contract with the joint venture of Chodai Co. Ltd., Oriental Consultants Global Co. Ltd. and Nippon Engineering Consultants Co. Ltd., in association with Angel Lazaro & Associates International, DCCD Enginering Corp., TCGI Engineers and KRC Environmental Services which started their activities on December 2021 and gave updates during the meeting.
The project was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority Board through ad referendum on October 2021.
Meanwhile, Japanese experts representing LLRN Phase 2 at the eastern side, which is under the feasibility study stage, also joined the meeting via video teleconference, DPWH said.
LLRN Phases 1 and 2 will form the outer ring high-standard highway for the Laguna de Bay that will provide a faster and safer alternative route for motorists traveling north or south.
DPWH said 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, among other benefits.
