First national expressway with bike lanes opens in Taguig

MANILA, Philippines — Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar will lead today the ceremonial drive-through of the newly completed and modernized 6.94-kilometer Laguna Lake Highway (formerly C-6) in Barangay Lower Bicutan, Taguig City.

Villar said the four-lane divided highway, which connects the eastern part of Metro Manila and the towns of Rizal province, has been opened to provide an alternative route to motorists in time for the Christmas rush.

“We are happy to announce that this toll-free road will be able to cut travel time from Bicutan to Taytay and vice versa from an hour to just 30 minutes or less,” Villar said.

“This is the first national expressway with bicycle lanes. The improved highway will ensure safety of motorists, bikers, pedestrians, as well as protection of residents from backflow of lakewater,” he said.

Villar noted that the newly opened road will serve as an alternative route of motorists to avoid traffic along EDSA and C-5.

Moreover, with its two-meter wide planting strips, three-meter-wide protected bike lane, 1.5-meter wide sidewalk, complete with street lights and safety signage components, Laguna Lake Highway will provide a faster, safer and more pleasant travel experience not just to motorists but also to bikers and pedestrians.

The construction of Laguna Lake Highway in the total amount of P1.28 billion was implemented by DPWH National Capital Region under the supervision of regional director Melvin Navarro. The opening of Laguna Lake Highway will also be attended by Build, Build, Build Cabinet secretaries – DOTr’s Arthur Tugade; BCDA president Vivencio Dizon; DBM’s Benjamin Diokno; DOF’s Carlos Dominguez III; and NEDA director-general Ernesto Pernia; as well as Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano; former DFA secretary Alan Peter Cayetano; MMDA chairman Danilo Lim; LLDA general manager Jaime Medina; Taguig City-Pateros Rep. Pia Cayetano; Taguig City Vice Mayor Ricardo Cruz and Barangay Lower Bicutan chairman Roel Pacayra.