EXPANSION of the Tayud provincial road located in Consolacion town, northern Cebu may take place before the ban on infrastructure project takes effect on March 26.

In yesterday's press conference, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said the Department of Budget and Management (BDM) will release anytime part of the P350 million appropriation to kick off project implementation.

“I already talked to DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) Secretary Vic Domingo and it’s just a matter of appropriating the funds,” said Garcia.

She said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assured her that she talked with Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya on the release of the project funds in last Sunday's visit.

Arroyo made a brief stopover to inspect works on the Cansaga bridge that connects Mandaue City to Consolacion town.

“The release of funds will be done in tranches. They may release during the first tranche P100 million,” the governor said.

The two-lane Tayud Road would be expanded to four lanes.

The road connects to the North Coastal Road Project (NCRP) of the national government.

Cansaga bridge, a component of the CNRP, will be opened to the riding public by end of March.

President Arroyo made a ceremonial drive through on the Cansaga bridge which is expected to serve as diversion road for vehicles using the national highway.

“For as long as part of the appropriation if available, we can make this into a continuing project so that this will not be affected by the ban on infrastructure projects,” said Garcia.

Garcia earlier sought the devolution of funds for the Tayud road expansion project to the Capitol to provide employment to local workers.

She said the DPWH would still supervise the project.

The late press secretary Cerge Remonde announced the president's approval of Garcia's request in last year's presidential visit. - Doris C. Bongcac / Cebu Daily News