BACOLOD City – A newly launched private bridge project in Barangay Granada is expected to deliver long-term mobility benefits to Bacolodnons, easing traffic congestion and improving north-to-south connectivity as residential growth continues to expand in the area.
City Engineer Loben Ceballos said the construction of the access road and bridge development could help decongest surrounding thoroughfares, particularly with the anticipated influx of residents in emerging communities.
“Without seeing the actual location, based on the narrative, it will ease anticipated traffic due to incoming new residents by providing an access route from north to south,” Ceballos said.
He noted that an additional corridor would help distribute vehicle flow more efficiently and potentially reduce pressure on major roads already experiencing increasing traffic volumes.
However, Ceballos emphasized that the full extent of the project’s public benefit would depend on its accessibility.
“It’s not clear to me if this is public or exclusive,” he said, pointing out that whether the bridge will be open to the general public or limited to subdivision residents will significantly determine its broader impact on traffic management and urban mobility.
On January 31, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Parkville Bridge, a key infrastructure component of the 52-hectare Parkville development of SM Development Corporation (SMDC) Nature.
The four-lane bridge will serve as the primary gateway linking the residential estate to Burgos Avenue in Barangay Granada, one of the city’s fast-developing growth areas. The site is strategically located near the newly opened Burgos–Negros Occidental Economic Highway, enhancing access to both northern and southern parts of Bacolod City.
Designed to accommodate more than 2,300 future residents, the bridge is engineered not only for current demand but also for projected long-term growth. By channeling traffic directly from the highway into the development, planners aim to preserve internal roads for quieter residential use while maintaining efficient entry and exit points.
Beyond mobility, the bridge was constructed with resilience in mind. Its elevated structure addresses potential flooding risks, while engineering standards account for seismic activity — a crucial consideration in infrastructure planning.
Landscaping around the structure emphasizes sustainability, with native trees and plant species prioritized to reduce water consumption, limit maintenance requirements, and support local biodiversity.
The bridge’s architectural design, featuring contemporary lines and natural finishes, complements the overall aesthetic of the master-planned community./PN
