1st phase of Capas-Botolan connector to open in November: DPWH

FILE: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) (Photo: Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — The province of Zambales will soon be directly connected with Tarlac within one hour and 20 minutes as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is looking to complete the five-kilometer gap at Zambales Section in November.

“The DPWH is targeting to complete the construction of the 5 kilometers missing gap at Zambales Section of the 81 kilometers Capas (Tarlac)-Botolan (Zambales) Road this November,” said DPWH Secretary Mark Villar in a statement Thursday.

The road upgrading project is funded under the CY 2016 and 2017 Infrastructure Program in the amount of PHP138.413 million and Php129.615 million, respectively.

It involves concrete paving of carriageway with a thickness of 11 inches (0.28 meter), 2.5 meters shoulder on both sides, construction of stone masonry wall with line canal on mountain side which serves as slope protection and drainage, and provision of metal beam guardrail on the cliff side for road safety.

He noted that the improvement of the road network is expected to generate more tourism activities in both provinces.

“Capas – Botolan Road will not only establish a link from Tarlac to Zambales but will also reduce the present three-hour travel time via Bataan and Pampanga,” Villar said.

“Before the implementation of the project, motorists either have to pass by the Provinces of Pampanga, Bataan,  and as far as Pangasinan since rugged or mountainous terrain separates the two provinces,” he added.

Other than the ecotourism potential, Capas-Botolan Road will connect Zambales to the economic hubs in Tarlac and Pampanga. (PNA)