Proposed TPLEx route realignment rejected
SAN FERNANDO CITY–The proposal to realign the third phase of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) from Urdaneta City to Rosario, La Union was evidently rejected by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) by proceeding with the construction based on the original plan.
According to Florelyn Fernandez, Engineer III of the DPWH regional office, the construction of the third phase of TPLEx is already ongoing finally closing the door on former Pangasinan Fifth District Rep. Mark Cojuangco’s proposal.
Cojuangco’s proposal became controversial when officials of Baguio City and Benguet vigorously objected to it since his proposal would skirt 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, officials of La Union led by Mayor Manuel Ortega and Pangasinan led by Gov. Amado Espino Jr. appeared cool to Cojuangco’s proposal.
The realignment proposed by Cojuangco was to pass through San Fabian and skip most of Sison town before proceeding to Rosario which many said would make the TPLEx longer by some eight kilometers, and incur additional costs.
Engr. Fernandez, speaking to newsmen in a news conference in Bauang, said the second phase of TPLEx from Paniqui, Tarlac to Urdaneta City is already 96.39 percent complete with the remaining third phase, comprising of 25.83 kilometers is still being constructed using 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. (Leonardo Micua)
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