ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines (PNA) –- The city government will close for traffic six major road sections here for rehabilitation and repair starting September 1, 2011.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said District Engineer Jose Al Fruto of the Department of Public Works and Highways has requested closure of selected national roads covered by the DPWH work program.

Fruto said road closure is inevitable to finish the project as soon as possible. He said he is also requesting Mabilog’s assistance in the possible rerouting of vehicular traffic along affected road sections until the projects are completed.

Mabilog said the projects are funded by the national government with assistance from the Priority Development Assistance Funds of Senator Franklin Drilon and Iloilo City lone District Rep. Jerry P. Treñas.

The DPWH is implementing the rehabilitation and repair of damaged road sections of the Iloilo-Capiz Road (new route), Jaro-Leganes section and will require a partial road closure for a minimum period of 120 days from the start of actual work.

Total road closure is also requested for a minimum of six months for the reconstruction of the Dungon Bridge along El '98 St. in Jaro district. The total road closure is inevitable as alignment of the new bridge will retain the original alignment of the existing bridge.

Partial road closure for 60 days will also be implemented for the asphalt overlay project along Peralta St. in Iloilo city proper, 90 days for concreting the Airport Direct Road and 90 days for concreting of Rizal St. junction from the Muelle Loney Bridge to Huervana St. in La Paz district.

Mabilog said the city government will grant a permit for the road closures and instructed Mitch Antiqueña, chief of the Traffic Management and Transport Regulation Office (TMTRO), to look into the situation and find possible reroute roads for vehicular traffic.