By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Bicol (DPWH-5) has reinforced manpower and equipment for the urgent and continuing repairs of portions of the Andaya Highway connecting Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte, which was destroyed by land collapse, causing heavy traffic along the stretch.
DPWH-5 Regional Director Virgilio Eduarte said Friday he has ordered various district engineering offices in the region to help augment manpower, trucks, and equipment to expedite the repair works.
Tapped to help provide logistics and manpower resources are the Camarines Sur 2nd and 3rd district engineering offices to help the 1st district engineering office of the same province, and the Camarines Sur 4th district engineering office and the Sorsogon 1st district engineering office to assist the Camarines Norte district engineering office.
Eduarte said the additional augmentation will render assistance until the repair works are completed. He added he hopes to bring back the highway’s two-lane usage shortly, probably this weekend.
The Land Transportation Office in Bicol (LTO-5) has meanwhile deployed drones to improve traffic monitoring and enforcement along Camarines Sur’s Sipocot-Lupi-Ragay route.
“With the use of this advanced technology, traffic conditions can now be assessed more quickly and accurately,” the agency explained. The drones provide real-time surveillance, making it easier for authorities to identify traffic violators and swiftly apprehend those engaging in counterflowing. (PNA)