Arterial Road Bypass Project Reduces Travel Time Between Two Bulacan Towns

The Marcos administration inaugurated today a road project that is expected to reduce travel time between Balagtas and San Rafael towns in Bulacan from one hour to just 24 minutes.

The 22.4-kilometer ARBP III is an infrastructure flagship project (IFP) under the Build-Better-More Program, involving the widening of the existing Plaridel Bypass Road in Bulacan from two lanes to four lanes. I Photo: Shimizu Corporation

The project, known as the Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase III (ARBP III) Contract Package 4, "will significantly improve not only the movement of people but also the transportation of agricultural products and services, thereby enhancing the productivity of the farming industry in Bulacan," according to a speech delivered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., read by Special Assistant to the President, Antonio Ernesto Floirendo Lagdameo Jr.

"The inauguration of ARBP III Contract Package 4 is a call to action and a call to work tirelessly towards the 'Bagong Pilipinas' that we envision—a Philippines that shines brightly on the world stage, a Philippines where every Filipino's dreams are realized," the President further stated in his speech.

The President emphasized that infrastructure development, particularly in the transportation sector, is crucial for the sustained progress of the Philippine economy as it improves the movement of people, goods, and services.

It also enhances the efficiency of logistics and transportation systems, facilitating the journey towards lasting prosperity.

The completion of the entire ARBP III project, according to the President, will transform the Plaridel Bypass Road, providing a convenient alternative route from Balagtas to San Rafael in Bulacan, with an additional two lanes to accommodate more motorists, in addition to reducing travel time.

He added that this will also attract more investments, create more employment opportunities, and perpetuate a positive cycle of development in Bulacan province.

Mr. Marcos assured that the administration remains committed to completing ARBP III by March 2024.

The President expressed gratitude to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for its support of this critical project and also recognized the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for its relentless efforts in ensuring the completion of ARBP III Contract Package 4.

He stated, "JICA has long been a steadfast partner in our journey to improve our infrastructure, and we hope for continued collaboration in our future endeavors."

He further reported that there are a total of 197 Infrastructure Flagship Projects, including transportation connectivity projects, in various stages of development under the administration's Build Better, More Program.

The 22.4-kilometer ARBP III is an infrastructure flagship project (IFP) under the Build-Better-More Program, involving the widening of the existing Plaridel Bypass Road in Bulacan from two lanes to four lanes.

The project, which includes the construction of 10 bridges and three flyovers, is primarily funded through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from JICA.

Its total project cost is PhP5.26 billion, with PhP4.25 billion covered by the JICA Loan Agreement, while the remaining PhP1.01 billion is shouldered by the Philippine government.

Contract Packages 3 and 4 were completed on March 31, 2021, and April 30, 2023, respectively. Contract Package 3 was opened to traffic in July 2021. Contract Packages 1 and 2 were 63.09 percent accomplished as of the end of September and are targeted to be completed by March 2024.

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