Laoag: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is aiming to finish the construction of a 2.7-kilometer alternate road ahead of schedule, a project intended to alleviate traffic congestion along Airport Avenue in Laoag City. "The duration of the project is within 136 calendar days. We hope to finish the project on time or earlier," stated Dominic Remolecio, information officer of the DPWH Ilocos Norte First District Engineering Office.

According to Philippines News Agency, the government has allocated PHP28,511,794.17 for the road project. Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Alexander Marcos has previously urged the DPWH to expedite the construction to ensure smooth traffic flow in the area. In a statement, Marcos suggested implementing a 24/7 work schedule "with the goal of completing the project within four months or earlier," following heavy traffic observed over the weekend due to the opening of SM City Laoag.

Earlier, personnel from the DPWH Ilocos Norte -1st Engineering District and the SM Engineering Department conducted an inspection of the alternate road construction. "As of June 4, 2025, our project engineer reported 5.08% completion with ongoing slope protection activity," Remolecio noted.

The alternate road is part of a larger infrastructure initiative, complementing the ongoing construction of the 12.08-kilometer San Nicolas-Laoag bypass road and a third bypass bridge, which have a total budget of PHP2.42 billion. Marcos highlighted that the Laoag City Traffic Division and the Metro Ilocos Norte Council are continuing to explore and implement strategies to ease traffic congestion and promote a more efficient transport system in the city.