P453M allotted to make bridges ‘quake-proof’

PALO, Leyte -- At least 40 bridges in Eastern Visayas were identified either for replacement or strengthening, to withstand seismic activities, with the central government allotting P453.76 million for the project.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Rolando Asis said majority or the P353.44 million budget will be allocated for strengthening of existing bridges, P93.31 million for replacement of temporary bridges, and P7 million for completion of ongoing construction.

“All of these bridges programmed for repair and construction next year will be resistant to earthquake damages to ensure that major road networks will be passable during disasters. These can withstand up to intensity 7.5 quakes,” he added.

In Leyte, scheduled for rehabilitation in 2013 are the San Joaquin Bridge worth P34.68 million, Cotcot Bridge for P4.2 million, Pareña Bridge for P3.69 million, Talisay Bridge for P6.86 million, Bitanhuan Bridge worth P4 million, Dungca-an Brudge for P10 million, and P3 million for the Hilusig Bridge.

Lone project in Biliran is the P7 million Bagongbong Bridge.

Up for replacement of old bridges in Leyte are the P7.20-million Bawod Bridge, P9.09-million Catmon Bridge 1, P10.80-million Hacienda Maria Bridge 1, P9.18 million-Manlawaan Bridge 1, P9-million Tabing Bridge, P5.54-million Tabunoc Bridge 1, and P7.34-million Ul-og Bridge.

Bailey bridges form part of road networks in Leyte’s third district. The bridge is a type of portable, pre-fabricated, truss bridge developed during World War II for military use.

New bridges identified for construction in Leyte are P19.2-million Busay Bridge, P18-million Balagnon Bridge, and P21-million Libas Bridge.

In Southern Leyte, the DPWH plans to strengthen are the Agas-Agas Bridge (P20 million), Bogasong Bridge (P3.5 million), Cawayan Bridge (P12 million), Divisoria Bridge (P16 million), and Nailong Bridge (P4.2 million).

Proposed for replacement are Salvacion Bridges 1 and 2 with a combined cost of P8.4 million.

Also included are retrofitting in Northern Samar of Colab-og Bridge (P10.5 million), Enriquita Bridge (P15.4 million), Marayondoyon Bridge (P12.6 million), Palanit Bridge (P51.8 million), and San Miguel Bridge for P10 million. The government will also replace Calarayan Bridge with a project cost of P9.78 million.

Listed for rehabilitation in Samar are the Bugtong Bridge for P34.71, Malaga Bridge (P20 million), Manok Manok Bridge (P10 million), Peòa Bridge (P20 million), Rosales Bridge (P25.76 million), Catbalogan Diversion Bridge (P16.1 million), and Rawis Bridge (P8.62 million). Some P17 million will be allocated for Bagacay Bridge replacement.

There will be no bridge repair in Eastern Samar since rehabilitation of the road network will be financed by the Millennium Challenge Corporation. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)