Proposed TPLEX realignment turned down
SAN FERNANDO CITY - The proposed realignment of the third phase of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) from Urdaneta City to Rosario, La Union was turned down by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
This was bared by Florelyn Fernandez, Engineer III of the DPWH regional office, who said construction of the third phase of TPLEX is now ongoing using the approved original plan for the Urdaneta City to Rosario stretch,
Turned down was the proposal of former Pangasinan (5th District) Cong. Mark Cojuangco who sought the Urdaneta-Rosario stretch of TPLEX would pass through San Fabian, skirting most part of Sison town.
Cojuangco's proposal was vigorously opposed by Baguio City and Benguet as the realignment will bypass Barangay Saytan in Rosario, La Union which is the nearest gateway to Baguio from the south through the old Kennon Road.
On the other hand, La Union officials led by Gov. Manuel Ortega as well as those of Pangasinan led by Gov. Amado Espino Jr. appeared non-committal to Cojuangco's proposal.
The realignment proposed by Cojuangco will make TPLEX longer by some eight kilometers, aside from entailing additional cost.
It was learned Cojuangco appeared before the city council of Baguio to explain the proposed realignment but nevertheless did not get a support.
Fernandez, speaking to newsmen in a news conference in Bauang, La Union, said the second phase of TPLEx from Paniqui, Tarlac to Urdaneta City is now 96.39 percent complete with the remaining third phase -- 25.83 kilometers -- yet to be constructed following the original plan which will pass through Sison.
The third phase of TPLEX is expected to be completed before President Benigno Aquino III steps down from office on June 30, 2016. (PNA)
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=80644.0
