The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) inaugurated a 561-meter, four-lane flyover in the Province of Bulacan on October 10, 2024, as part of the Arterial Road Bypass Project (ARBP). The project aims to ease traffic congestion and enhance road safety in the region.
The completed structure, known as Flyover No. 1, bypasses an intersection in Guiguinto near the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Balagtas Exit. It is part of the newly widened 12.5-kilometer road section under contract packages (CP) 1 and 2 of the ARBP Phase 3.
DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, accompanied by DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Second Secretary Kinoshita Akito representing Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Office Senior Representative Fukui Keisuke representing Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema, Bulacan 5th District Representative Ambrosio C. Cruz, Jr., and Guiguinto Mayor Agatha Paula A. Cruz, led the ceremonial ribbon cutting and unveiling of the project marker during the program held at Flyover No. 1 in Barangay Tiaong, Guiguinto, Bulacan.
The event was also attended by Undersecretary Carlos G. Mutuc; DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Project Directors Benjamin A. Bautista and Soledad R. Florencio; Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario; Region 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino and Assistant Director Melquiades H. Sto Domingo; and Bulacan District Engineers Henry Alcantara, George DC. Santos, and Edgardo C. Pingol.
In his speech, Secretary Bonoan highlighted the importance of the flyover and its integration with the additional 11.65-kilometer two-lane road, seven short bridges, farm animal crossings, and drainage facilities, all of which are part of CP 1 and 2 of ARBP Phase 3. The project is expected to facilitate smoother traffic flow for thousands of daily commuters and cargo vehicles, particularly those connecting to NLEX and the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway, also known as Daang Maharlika.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain, in charge of DPWH infrastructure flagship projects, mentioned that the completion of two new lanes under Phase 3 for the entire stretch of the Arterial Road Bypass Project—from Barangay Borol, Balagtas, all the way to Barangay Maasim, San Rafael—will facilitate south-bound traffic, while the two lanes completed earlier under Phases 1 and 2 will accommodate north-bound traffic.
ARBP Phase 3, with a total cost of ₱5.26 billion, was made possible through a ₱4.25 billion loan from the Government of Japan facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Loan Agreement No. PH-P266. This partnership demonstrates the ongoing cooperation between the Philippines and Japan in pursuing infrastructure development for sustainable growth.
The construction of the flyover involved the development of a 283.10-meter main bridge and approach spans of 138.66 meters and 139.38 meters. Additional safety features, such as a concrete median barrier and solar-powered LED streetlights, were also installed.
The newly constructed flyover and widened road are expected to accommodate approximately 15,000 vehicles daily, providing motorists with a more efficient route and reducing travel time across Bulacan.
Implemented by the DPWH UPMO - Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral), led by Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista with Project Manager Nelson T. Graza, the construction of CP 1 and 2 was carried out by contractor C.M. Pancho Construction, Inc., with project supervision by a joint venture of Pyunghwa Engineering Consultants, Ltd., Kyong-Ho Engineering & Architects Co., Ltd., and Woodfield Consultants, Inc.
Often referred to by motorists as the Plaridel Bypass Road, the ARBP traverses the towns of Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos, and San Rafael, serving as a critical link between NLEX and the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway (Daang Maharlika) to key areas in Bulacan.
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