Traffic Relief for Andaya Highway: Alternative Routes Emerge Amid Congestion

Camarines Sur, Philippines—December 23, 2024

Severe traffic congestion along the Andaya Highway, also known as the Quirino Highway, is finally seeing relief after weeks of delays that left motorists stranded for hours. A combination of halted roadworks and alternative routes for travelers has eased the situation just in time for the holiday rush.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced yesterday that major road repairs in Lupi, Camarines Sur, a section notorious for creating an 18-kilometer traffic bottleneck, have been completed. Both lanes are now fully operational, reducing the long-standing delays that had plagued the route between Manila and Bicol.

Despite these improvements, officials and local experts are encouraging travelers to consider alternate routes to avoid the remaining holiday congestion.

Motorists traveling from Manila to Bicol are advised to take the following alternate path:

1. At the Sta. Elena junction, take a left toward the Capalonga Bypass Coastal Road.
2. Follow the road through Jose Panganiban to Daet.
3. Proceed from Daet to Sipocot, Libmanan, and finally Naga City.

For those traveling from Bicol to Manila, the route is reversed:

1. From Naga City, pass through Sipocot and Daet.
2. After Daet, head toward Jose Panganiban and then the Capalonga Bypass Coastal Road.
3. Exit at Sta. Elena and continue toward Quezon Province.

Locals report that these bypass routes, though longer in distance, save significant time by avoiding heavily congested areas.

The gridlock was particularly severe on December 20, when thousands of motorists were stuck for hours on the Andaya Highway due to ongoing repairs and holiday traffic. DPWH’s decision to halt all non-essential roadwork as of December 22 came as a welcome reprieve. Combined with enforcement actions by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Ragay, these measures have resulted in smoother traffic flow.

“After weeks of frustration, drivers can finally reach their destinations without spending half their day stuck in traffic,” said an LTO official stationed along the highway.

The improvements also highlight the importance of maintaining alternate routes. For many, the Capalonga Bypass Coastal Road has been a lifeline, offering picturesque coastal views while cutting travel time by avoiding the notorious choke points in Camarines Sur.

Holiday travelers have expressed cautious optimism. “It’s still crowded, but at least we’re moving. The alternative route made all the difference,” said Carla Perez, a commuter heading to Legazpi City with her family.

As of December 23, DPWH confirmed that further maintenance activities would be scheduled after the New Year to ensure minimal disruption to holiday travel.

Authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant and follow road safety protocols, especially when navigating less familiar alternate routes. For private vehicles, the restored lanes on the Andaya Highway and the scenic bypass roads offer renewed hope for a stress-free journey this holiday season.