Friday, May 09, 2008 Bridge board to use tires to protect bridges
DELAYS in preparing the P2 million needed to install rubber fenders on the first Mandaue-Mactan Bridge prompted the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 to install used tires in the meantime.
Engr. Pericles Dakay suggested to install used tires as improvised fenders while the money needed for rubber fenders is still unavailable.
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, chairman of the Bridge Management Board (MCB-MB), said the improvised fenders would need to have orange reflectors to serve as warning to oncoming vessels.
The fenders would protect the foundation of the bridge in the event that a vessel hits it.
During their board meeting earlier this week, the MCBMB also agreed to strictly enforce the policy prohibiting vehicles that weigh 4,500 kilos or more from passing through the first bridge.
Garcia asked what specific vehicles weigh this much. According to a representative from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7, these are six-wheeler trucks and vehicles that are bigger.
Purchase
LTO suggested that the MCBMB purchase a portable weight tester and place it near the bridge to make sure that the policy is strictly enforced. The board learned that the weigh bridge near the first bridge has already been abandoned.
In the same meeting, Engr. Mario Montejo of DPWH-Cebu’s first engineering district also proposed the monthly allocation for the maintenance of the two bridges.
First bridge
The amount needed to maintain the first bridge was pegged at P70,320.27 per month while another P23,541.08 is needed to maintain the Marcelo Fernan Bridge.
Gov. Garcia asked why there is a disparity in the allocation for the two bridges when the computation is based on the equivalent maintenance per kilometer, or EMK.
Montejo explained that one factor in determining the EMK is the age of the bridge, so the first bridge would be more costly to maintain.
Garcia said, though, that it would be “illogical” to spend more for the old bridge when the new bridge is longer.
DPWH 7 Assistant Director Marlene Alviso proposed to combine both appropriations and just charge whatever amount is needed to maintain either of the bridge at a certain time.
Garcia also announced her plan to take over the repair of traffic lights in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.
Gampik Construction and Development Inc., the contractor, earlier assured that it will take care of the traffic lights but they have yet to purchase in Manila the materials needed for the repair.
Garcia said she is already tired of Gampik’s excuses, since the problem on busted traffic lights is brought up in every board meeting. (JGA)
