Leyte bridges to be widened in 2017

TACLOBAN CITY, Oct. 28 (PNA) -- The Second Leyte Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 2nd LED) is allotting PHP198.5 million to widen nine permanent bridges along the primary roads in the district.

This bridge widening project is set in 2017 and will target to expand the bridges to more than two lanes.

These bridges include Calbasag Bridge, Bocog Bridge, Balocawe Bridge, Bawon Bridge and Balire Bridge along the Maharlika Highway.

Meanwhile, Ponong Bridge, Sagkahan Bridge, Tagak Bridge and Cocot Bridge along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road is part of the bridge widening project.

The DPWH 2nd LED sees the improvement of the structure of this bridge with additional lanes will decongest vehicular traffic and serve as an open gate to facilitate the transport of goods and services and ease in transportation for the riding public.

“The bridge will bring multiplier effects to the people and the community, and with ease in transport, we can bring in more economic activity to the area,” 2nd LED district engineer Carlos Veloso said.

The 2nd LED just recently opened to public, partially, the four-lane Hiagsam Bridge in Jaro, Leyte.

 The bridge was devastated in 2014, reconstructed in 2015 and opened to public a year later.

The bridge is claimed to be typhoon resilient which will become a basic quality of the other bridges eyed for widening in 2017.

Veloso said that these bridges need to be built stronger and sturdier to withstand flashfloods and the growing strength of typhoon nowadays. (PNA)
JMC/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR