HEAVY TRAFFIC ON CAMARINES SUR HIGHWAY GOING TO BICOL, VISAYAS, MINDANAO

Heavy and long traffic is being experienced by travelers in Andaya Highway going to Bicol, Visayas, and Mindanao due to construction works (Photo courtesy of Mariano Joaquin Victorino)

Travel on Andaya Highway in the Municipality of Ragay in Camarines Sur became an ordeal for motorists because of traffic that extended up 17 kilometers.

Several motorists have posted on their social media the long heavy traffic being experienced along Andaya Highway, Barangay Manangle, Sipocot, Camarines Sur. They said that motorists have been stuck in the traffic for more than five hours, and that the travel time may take not less than 15 to 24 hours.

The situation worsened reportedly when vehicles attempted to counterflow. Citation tickets were issued to violators. LTO Ragay Enforcement Team said the flow of traffic was disrupted by uneven roads, ongoing repairs, and undisciplined drivers.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued an advisory for motorists traveling from Manila to Bicol, Visayas, and Mindanao that a portion of the Andaya Highway in Lupi, Camarines Sur, has been damaged by heavy rains, causing significant soil erosion.

It said that only one lane is passable in the affected area, resulting in slow-moving vehicular traffic. Motorists heading from Manila to Camarines Norte are advised that the road in the Municipality of Labo is impassable due to erosion. 

“Alternative routes should be considered. Travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution when traversing this route. Please plan your trips accordingly and stay updated on traffic conditions.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways in Bicol (DPWH-5) is addressing the heavy traffic being experienced in Barangay Cabutagan, Lupi town in Camarines Sur. In a statement, its said that immediate measures are being taken to remedy the problem amid ongoing road reblocking activities in the affected areas.

"These include steel sheet pile driving and backfilling to accommodate a two-lane traffic flow as well as temporarily halting all ongoing work activities in the Lupi road stretch," DPWH-5 Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte said.

He also acknowledged the inconvenience caused to motorists such as road slips, apart from the heavy traffic.

"To address the issue and ensure the safety of motorists and the public, we are implementing immediate remedial actions. Our team is working round the clock to ensure these measures are executed efficiently and effectively.”

To manage traffic and minimize disruptions, DPWH-5 has requested assistance from the local enforcement team to regulate the flow of vehicles in the area. Authorities explained the urgency to reinforce this road in Lupi town, which is traversed by vehicles going to and from the Visayas and Mindanao.

Source: Philippine News Agency

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