Gambito reinforces traffic directive in Nueva Vizcaya

By Rachel Magday

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has reiterated his directive to law enforcement officials to issue citation tickets to motorists who fail to adhere to traffic enforcers’ rules and regulations.

This comes as the province braces for anticipated traffic congestion on the national highway due to the resumption of road construction activities on January 6, 2025.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region II had temporarily suspended these road projects from December 20, 2024 to January 5, 2025 to accommodate the influx of vehicles as people returned to their provinces in the Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region(CAR) for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In an advisory released by DPWH Regional Office, they announced that road construction activities would resume on January 6.

The department is appealing for public cooperation in following traffic rules and regulations. They also urge motorists to avoid counter-flowing to prevent any incidents that could worsen traffic congestion.

To manage the expected increase in traffic, additional police personnel will be deployed to key areas to assist in traffic management and ensure smooth vehicular flow.

The traffic plan includes a 30-minute interval system at certain construction sites to facilitate one-way traffic flow and minimize delays. Additionally, the DPWH recommends the following alternate route for motorists to help avoid traffic congestion:

Ifugao Route:

Enter Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya
Proceed to Lamut, Ifugao
Pass through the towns of Lagawe, Banaue, Mayoyao, Aguinaldo, and Alfonso Lista, all in Ifugao
Exit through Ramon, Isabela

Time Travel: Approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes – Distance: 180 kilometers

Governor Gambito has also instructed the contractors of these DPWH projects to deploy additional flagmen at their construction sites, ensuring their presence 24 hours a day.

This measure aims to enhance safety and provide constant guidance to motorists navigating through construction zones.

Gambito emphasized the importance of cooperation from all road users. “We urge everyone to follow the traffic rules and respect the guidance of our traffic enforcers and flagmen. These road projects are crucial for our community’s development, and your patience and cooperation are vital to their successful completion.”

The DPWH assured the public that they are making every effort to expedite the completion of these projects, which aim to provide a safer, faster, and more reliable road network for everyone.

For commuters’ information, here are the details of the road construction programs and lane accessibility in the affected areas:

Brgy. Nagsabaran, Diadi (K0297+325-K0297+550)

Length: 225 meters, intermittent sections
Some sections will undergo reblocking, but both outer lanes and the right-lane carriageway will be accessible.
Expect a two-way traffic flow.