Albay-Sorsogon Road: Bicol to have its own Daang Kalikasan

A brand new scenic route will soon open to the public before the year ends. Aside from the famous Daang Kalikasan which connects Pampanga and Zambales via a 54-kilometer road, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has just announced that the Albay-Sorsogon Road Connector is nearing completion.

Also known as the Bacon-Manito Road, the new 15.87-kilometer road will provide a seamless link between the two provinces in Bicol. In his report to newly-appointed DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, DPWH Region 5 Director Virgilio C. Eduarte said that the connector is one of the priority projects in the Bicol Region.

Once completed, it will directly link Legazpi City- Punta de Jesus Road in Albay and Junction Sorsogon - Bacon-Manito Road in Sorsogon.

“Locals and visitors will be able to utilize this all-weather road very soon. We are targeting completion of ongoing sections before the end of this year,” said Eduarte.

So far, the project has received a budget allocation of PHP 2.21 billion. However, the DPWH will request an additional PHP 500 million budget for the remaining civil works covering the installation of the active and passive slope protection systems, metal beam guardrails, and the continuation of concrete works.

“When fully completed, the Albay – Sorsogon Connector Road will reduce the travel time of motorists by one (1) hour, benefitting as many as 5,000 motorists daily, and eventually improving the economic condition of areas along its route,” added Eduarte.