Widened Manila North road section improves Cagayan-Ilocos Norte connectivity

A P65.46-million road widening along the 2.61-kilometer section of the Manila North Road in Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan has been completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allowing for a better inter-regional connectivity in the area.

In her report to Secretary Mark A. Villar, Regional Office 2 OIC-Director Loreta M. Malauan stated that the portion of Manila North Road that serves as a direct connector road of Cagayan Valley and Ilocos Region has been improved into a four-lane road from the previous two (2) lanes.

Secretary Villar said that the road network upgraded by DPWH Cagayan 2nd District Engineering Office (DEO) now help in easing traffic congestion in the area while also providing a safer road to motorist traversing from Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

As the national road that links the two (2) regions geographically separated by the mountain range of Cordillera, the improved section also allows for a hastened delivery of goods and services within the nearby towns and provinces in the regions, added Secretary Villar.

The completed road widening project is part of the “Build, Build, Build” Program and funded under the 2019 General Appropriations Act (GAA) through the Network Development Program aimed to ensure safe and reliable road system to the public. (DPWH)