DPWH seeks consultant for feasibility study on 180-km expressway from Quezon to Bicol

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is seeking a consultant for the feasibility study of the Quezon-Bicol Expressway (QUEBEX) project, which is being pursued as a regular solicited public-private partnership (PPP) project.

Alex Bote, head of the PPP service at the DPWH, said the department plans to hire a consultant for the feasibility study of the QUEBEX.

“We are going to outsource a consultant but the procurement will be done by DPWH,” he said.

He said the DPWH is crafting the terms of reference.

“I think it will be awarded within the year,” he said.

The government wants the feasibility study for the project to be completed within a period of nine months, faster than the usual one year or more.

The project will cover 180-kilometers, starting at Pagbilao in Quezon and ending at the existing Maharlika Highway in San Fernando  ,Camarines Sur.

It is expected is to provide a safe and direct route to the provinces of Bicol as the original route traverses through the mountainside and other fragmentary roads.