LEGAZPI CITY – The Regional Development Council (RDC) has endorsed the conversion of the 7-km railroad track of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) from Daraga, Albay to Legazpi City into a highway.

        Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal said he had met earlier with Daraga Mayor Cicero Triunfante who agreed with him that in order to decongest the heavy traffic along Rizal Street, the unused railroad track should be converted into a highway.

        It will be recalled that the PNR had stopped plying its route to Legazpi City after the PNR bidge in Travesia, Guinobatan town had been destroyed by typhoon Reming.

        Rosal said the two local government units have agreed to buy the PNR property and convert it into a highway.

        Rosal warned some occupants along the railroad track that their houses might be affected because the width of the proposed highway will be 30 meters.

        As planned, the Daraga train station would be relocated to Barangay Kimantong. The PNR Legazpi City terminal in Barangay 33 will be up for sale to private developers for commercial use.

        “The purpose of our plan is to decongest traffic in Rizal Street and to provide an alternative route for motorists, “ Rosal said.