By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Iloilo River North Bank Road, popularly known as Sunset Boulevard, will officially open to vehicular traffic on Jan. 24, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion between Iloilo City and Antique ahead of the Dinagyang Festival.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas confirmed the opening after a meeting with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Western Visayas regional director Sanny Boy Oropel and assistant regional director Al Fruto.
The road was initially set to open on Jan. 22, but Treñas said the date was moved to ensure a smooth and well-prepared inauguration.
“The program will feature biking and tree planting activities along the boulevard, followed by a short ceremony attended by former Senator Franklin Drilon, who spearheaded this transformative project,” Treñas said on Jan. 15.
The PHP2.07 billion project is a 4.99-kilometer, four-lane road that starts at the Molo-Mandurriao Road, intersects with the Iloilo Circumferential Road, and ends at the Oton-Pakiad-Mandurriao Road.
Construction began in April 2022, and partial access was granted for jogging and recreational activities on June 23, 2024, as part of the DPWH’s 126th-anniversary celebration.
The boulevard includes amenities such as an esplanade, dedicated bike lanes, paved walkways, and softscapes to promote a greener and more sustainable Iloilo.
“Once open, the boulevard will ease traffic between Iloilo City and Oton and serve as a recreational space for residents and visitors. It reflects our dedication to sustainable development and improved connectivity,” Treñas added.
