THE 7.2-kilometer Urdaneta City bypass is targeted for opening by next year with work on the last two of six phases now in full swing, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The P1.6 billion four-lane diversion road is seen to ease traffic congestion at the city proper where most government and business centers are located. Four inter-regional road systems will also be connected to the bypass, namely: Manila North Road, Urdaneta-Dagupan Road, Urdaneta-Manaoag Road, and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway. DPWH Region I Director Ronnel M. Tan said in a statement, “More than the faster transport of goods and services from Urdaneta City proper to barangays, the bypass road would also attract various business establishments that would generate more livelihood opportunities and help increase economic growth in the province.” Once completed, travel time from the town of Villasis to Binalonan, which usually takes an hour via the Maharlika Highway, is expected to be cut by 50%.
