By Nimfa L. Estrellado DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon walks through an inspection area along the Maharlika Highway in Quezon province, joined by...
 |
| DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon walks through an inspection area along the Maharlika Highway in Quezon province, joined by engineers, local officials, and media, as preparations begin for a full rehabilitation of the road. (QuezonPIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Mounting complaints and repeated road failures have prompted the government to halt patchwork repairs along a critical transport corridor. This step covers the Maharlika Highway in Quezon province to prepare for a full road overhaul after years of temporary fixes.
The Maharlika Highway serves as the main land route connecting Metro Manila to Southern Luzon and the Bicol region, carrying thousands of commuters and cargo vehicles daily. In recent years, frequent flooding, heavy traffic, and repeated road reblocking have left large sections in poor condition, especially during the rainy season.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon placed the Maharlika Highway project among the government’s top infrastructure priorities for 2026. Recent inspections in Quezon showed repeated flooding, damaged road surfaces, and sections that quickly deteriorate after repairs.
“Maharlika Highway rehabilitation is among the agency’s top priorities for 2026,” Dizon said. “Hindi na puwedeng paulit-ulit na pansamantalang solusyon ang ginagawa sa kalsadang ito.”
Repair work was paused to avoid spending more funds on temporary measures while a full rehabilitation plan is being prepared. Years of patching potholes and reblocking road sections failed to fix deeper problems beneath the pavement.
“The best way to approach this is kailangan natin iplano nang mabuti with the help of Japanese consultants,” Dizon said during a site inspection. “Kailangan matibay at pangmatagalang disenyo ang ilalagay natin dito.”
Dizon personally inspected the stretch of the Maharlika Highway from Quezon province to the Bicol region on Friday, January 16, together with DPWH Region IV-A officials. The visit included the ongoing viaduct project in Lopez town, which is expected to serve as a vital alternative route during flooding and high water levels.
The inspection forms part of the government’s priority rehabilitation and improvement program for the Maharlika Highway in 2026. The on-site assessment was intended to review current road conditions and speed up planning for long-term upgrades.
The planned improvements include raised road sections and stronger flood protection in low-lying areas of Quezon that often become impassable during heavy rains. A 2.5-kilometer viaduct is being studied to keep traffic moving even during floods.
The rehabilitation plan also covers key sections of the Maharlika Highway in Camarines Sur, where road damage and flooding have similarly disrupted travel. Inspections reviewed stretches in Del Gallego and Lupi that serve as gateways between Southern Luzon and the Bicol region.
Poor road conditions along these routes have slowed public transport and the delivery of goods, particularly during the rainy season. Drivers face longer trips, higher fuel costs, and faster wear on vehicles as they navigate damaged and uneven road sections.
Transport operators report fewer daily trips and higher maintenance expenses due to persistent road damage. These disruptions affect commuters and businesses that rely on the highway for regular travel and deliveries.
In Camarines Sur, attention has also focused on aging bridges along the Andaya Highway that no longer meet current safety standards. Provincial leaders have repeatedly warned that weakened structures pose risks to buses and heavy trucks.
Local governments along the highway have pushed for flood-control projects to complement road repairs and protect nearby communities. Without proper drainage systems, road improvements are expected to deteriorate quickly and require repeated repairs.
Temporary road patching and traffic controls will remain in place ahead of busy travel periods such as Holy Week. Full construction is expected to begin once the final plan, budget, and technical designs are approved.
The Maharlika Highway runs about 150 kilometers across Quezon province and serves as a major land route between Metro Manila, Southern Luzon, and Bicol. Once completed, the rehabilitation is expected to make travel safer, faster, and more reliable for commuters and businesses.
No comments