CITY Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. is still uncertain when the more than four-kilometer Dawel-Lucao Road, with a long bridge in the middle, will finally open.

He said the more than one billion peso project, the biggest yet in Pangasinan, is undergoing the final touches of its construction to date.

It will, however, still have to be turned over by the contractors to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The bridge component alone is P900 million sourced out from a soft loan released by the Japan International Bank for Cooperation (JBIC).

The road component, costing more than P200 million, came from the Priority Development Assistance Fund of then House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., congressman of the fourth district of Pangasinan.

The new road was built over former wetlands, swamps and fishponds in the outskirts of Dagupan.

“Until such time that it is turned over, can we request the DPWH to schedule the inauguration and the opening,” Fernandez said.

During the inauguration, it is still uncertain whether President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former House Speaker de Venecia, would agree to be together in cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

De Venecia told newsmen during the Holy Week that out of protocol, President Arroyo must be invited during the inauguration.

Fernandez said that at this stage, the bridge is still undergoing curing stage and till it is over, the Toyo Construction cannot yet turn it over to the DPWH.

There is a need to observe curing period as well as the time for the completion of the road shoulders, including the putting of signages and landscaping, especially the main intersection, the mayor said.

Asked if the new road can be opened before the 2008 Dagupan Festival from April 16 to May 4, which will be attended by a banner crowd, Fernandez said “we will look forward to that.”

Fernandez said he will immediately recommend to the city council headed by Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez to consider amendments to the city’s existing zoning ordinance when the new road is finally opened.

There is a need to identify the proper uses of the area along side the new road, whether it will be made residential, commercial, industrial, for eco-tourism or for any other purposes that the council may deem important.

At the same time, he said, he will request the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to re-route some of the public utility vehicles so that the city can maximize road service to its people.

With the Dawel-Lucao Road, there is a need to create new routes that will reduce traffic density very greatly in the city’s downtown area, Fernandez said. (PNA)