Temporary bridge in Sibonga town to open today

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways has announced that the temporary steel bridge in Dumlog, Sibonga will be open to vehicles today, two days earlier than the target.

DPWH-7 Director Ador Canlas said that the installation of the temporary bridge was already on its final stage such as correcting of approaches and tightening of bolted joints.

“We have actually used the bridge to travel our equipment but we still have to work on the approaches,” he stated in a text message sent to The FREEMAN.

He, however, said the exact time that the bridge would be made passable is not determined yet, but they are trying to finish everything early morning today.

He added that the office will coordinate with the local government unit for the personnel to be detailed in the area to man the traffic.

Elvis Calunod, DPWH-7 maintenance division chief, in a separate interview, said warning signage will be put up to guide the motorists.

“Butangan nato og katong 20 tons nga signage, ug steel bridge ahead nga warning ba,” he told reporters over the phone.

The two-lane steel bridge can only accommodate vehicles weighing up to 20 tons, the same capacity to that of the original bridge. DPWH also assured to conduct routine inspection on the bridge’s condition, Calunod said.

Canlas further said the earlier completion of the project was due to the 24 hours of work implemented by the office and absence of elements that may cause delay such as rains and weather disturbance. It was supposed to be completed on January 17 yet.

The Dumlog Bridge was rendered impassable after its approach collapsed due to flashfloods brought by tropical storm Seniang.

However, a diversion route in Lindogon, Simala going to and from the southern areas was opened to buses and cargo, pending the installation of the temporary bridge.

 Canlas earlier explained that the construction of the permanent bridge would only commence once the department’s budget for 2015 is released by third week this month. But once the construction works start, the steel bridge would remain in place and passable while the construction of a permanent one is going on.  (FREEMAN)