BORONGAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will install solar studs in all national highways in Eastern Samar to lessen vehicular accidents especially during nighttime.
DPWH Eastern Samar District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia said the agency has two existing contracts for the installation of 20,400 pieces of solar studs that will light an estimated 61.2 kilometers centerline of the road.
The installation of solar studs, with a total appropriation of PHP 197.5 million, is funded under the Convergence and Special Support Program of the department based on the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2022.
Junia said DPWH had previously installed road studs in accident-prone road sections in the towns of Can-avid, Maydolong, Balangkayan, Salcedo, Quinapondan and Borongan City under the routine maintenance program of the department.
Solar studs are solar cell powered LED lighting devices embedded in the centerline of the road surfaces as an alternative to the traditional cats’ eyes.
“The solar studs automatically charge during daylight and activate at night time to help drivers anticipate the road path,” Junia said.
“Now, the installation of 20,400 solar studs is our initial implementation of lighting up the whole national road of Eastern Samar with solar studs,” she added. Junia said that the installation of solar studs will improve the quality and safety of the road network in Eastern Samar for the benefit of the travelling public as they will guide motorists and drivers. By Elmer Recuerdo (EV Mail Feb. 20-26, 2023 issue)
