LONG QUEUE A long line of vehicles is stuck along the Andaya Highway in Colacling (Del Rosario), Lupi, Camarines Sur, on Sunday morning, with the ongoing repair of some road sections damaged last October by Typhoon “Kristine” (international name: Trami). Traffic is expected to ease by Monday after works were suspended at noon Sunday. —LTO Bicol photo
LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY, Philippines — As holiday commuters descend upon key highways in Camarines Sur, the Department of Public Works and Highways-Bicol (DPWH-5) temporarily halts roadwork projects to mitigate traffic congestion.
The decision to suspend roadworks, effective midday Sunday, was made to ensure smooth traffic flow until January 15, 2025. DPWH-Bicol Director Virgilio Eduarte communicated this plan to the Inquirer via text message.
Despite the urgency of repairing sections battered by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” ( internationally known as Trami) in October, along with recent heavy rains, the DPWH director stressed the priority of addressing holiday travel disruptions.
Eduarte highlighted that the three segments of the Andaya Highway reopened to two-way traffic on Sunday are expected to assist in preventing major traffic jams.
Additionally, one-way traffic resumed at the Daang Maharlika Highway in Labo, Camarines Norte, on Friday evening.
To expedite road rehabilitation, the DWPH has deployed extra manpower and equipment, aiming for complete lane access on the Andaya Highway by Christmas.
The Andaya Highway serves as a crucial transportation corridor, connecting Quezon province in Calabarzon to Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region.
Stop-and-Go Traffic Management
Police Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, the police director for the region, announced the implementation of traffic management strategies to handle the influx of vehicles.
A “stop-and-go” scheme has been introduced in high traffic areas, particularly in Lupi town, Camarines Sur, where repairs in Barangay Cabutagan were causing delays.
Before the suspension, the highway at the single-lane segment in Barangay Cabutagan stretched up to 10 kilometers with vehicles lined up.
To aid in traffic monitoring, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Bicol has utilized drones to enforce traffic rules and ensure safe passage.
LTO Bicol Director Franz Ranches reported in a private message that daily traffic volumes on the Andaya Highway had surged from the usual 5,000 to 8,000 to 10,000 vehicles during the holiday season.
Challenging Travel Conditions
Many motorists have experienced excruciatingly long travel times. One driver, Frank Villar, spent 22 hours traveling from Albay to Manila to attend a relative’s wedding.
“Driving my own car to Manila was a grueling ordeal. A trip that should normally take less than 11 hours turned into a 22-hour nightmare — exhausting, time-consuming, and wasteful for gas money,” Villar conveyed to the Inquirer in a Sunday phone interview.
Villar’s experience mirrors the frustrations of countless travelers caught in gridlock along the Andaya Highway and Daang Maharlika Highway.
Bus stations in Naga and Legazpi City, along with the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, have reported delays and are collaborating with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to increase bus services.
Long-Term Solutions Needed
Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr., representing the second district, noted a potential need for redesigning the Andaya Highway to mitigate frequent construction flaws and damage from storms.
“A redesign might be necessary to correct a construction flaw evident from the repeated damage on Andaya Highway,” Villafuerte posited in a Sunday Facebook post.
He has also advocated for additional funding to complete the Ragay-Pasacao Coastal Road and the Libmanan Sky Bridge projects as alternative routes for commuters.
Conclusion: Holiday Travel Tips
As Christmas approaches, holiday travelers need to be prepared for potential roadblocks and delays. Scheduling trips earlier in the day, opting for alternative routes, and allowing for additional travel time can significantly reduce stress during these challenging journeys.
Communities in Southern Luzon should remain vigilant and stay informed about traffic updates and safety measures provided by local authorities.
For travelers facing delays and traffic issues, patience and adherence to safety guidelines are paramount.
Share your experiences and tips for navigating these conditions in the comments below. Help fellow travelers make their holidays a little smoother!
