MANILA - Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Roger Mercado on Thursday said the construction of the Fort Bonifacio-Nichols Field Road or Lawton Avenue in Taguig City is being hastened to meet its target completion by the second quarter this year.

"As the government increases mobility in Metro Manila amid the pandemic, this project is vital in addressing traffic woes experienced by motorists," he said.

The road widening has three phases with the 1.34-meter Phase 1 traversing from 5th Avenue to Bayani Road completed and opened to the public on Nov. 17, 2020.

"We are keen on expediting the completion of the remaining two phases of the project with Phase 2 covering 1,100 lineal meters from Bayani Road to Philippine Navy and Phase 3 covering 240 lineal meters from Philippine Navy to Pasong Tamo Extension," Mercado said as he led the inspection of the project on Thursday.

Once fully completed, the 3.1-kilometer, four-lane Lawton Avenue will be converted into a six-lane thoroughfare.

It can accommodate influx of vehicles traversing the area and will help decongest traffic in nearby Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa), South Superhighway, and C-5 Road.

The road will also complement the 961.427-lineal meter Bonifacio Global City-Ortigas Center Link Road Project which has improved access to and from the cities of Taguig, Pasig, Makati and Mandaluyong.

The project is part of the Edsa Decongestion Program, one of the flagship projects of the Duterte administration under the Build, Build, Build Program.

Also present during the inspection were Senior Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, Assistant Secretary Wilfredo Mallari and National Capital Region Director Nomer Abel Canlas. (PNA)