MANILA - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has intensified efforts for the construction of an additional two lanes at the 24-kilometer Arterial Road Bypass Project (ARBP) Phase 3 in Bulacan. Secretary Roger G. Mercado declared that the bypass road gives better connectivity to San Rafael and other eastern Bulacan towns from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Balagtas exit. According to Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, in-charge of the Unified Project Management Office Operations, the conversion into four lanes is part of the final stage of the bypass road to lower vehicular traffic congestion levels, facilitate more reliable travel conditions, reduce travel time, and improve freight and delivery schedules, reduced emissions and fuel consumption, and increased productivity and economic development. In his report to Mercado following a project inspection on Tuesday, Sadain said a new concrete pavement thickness standard of 35 centimeters from the previous 30 centimeters was