FURTHER rehabilitation is needed for the Balili Bridge in Barangay Poblacion, La Trinidad, prompting officials to implement a new traffic scheme in the area.

The Benguet First District Engineer Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the repair of the bridge will be finished by December 16.

The new traffic scheme was implemented on November 24 following a meeting of the Municipal Traffic Management Board of La Trinidad.

A two-way traffic scheme will be open on Halsema Highway, but only vehicles weighing up to five tons will be allowed to pass the bridge.

Heavier trucks may take the Lamut-Shilan Road while private vehicles are advised to take Pines-Park-Lubas Road.

The more than 50-year-old bridge is connecting Km. 6 and Barangay Cruz of La Trinidad, which is a major road used by travelers going to other parts of Benguet and Mountain Province.

In January 2020, DPWH started the repair of the Balili Bridge. Some P18.5 million were earlier allotted for the repair of the more than 50-year-old bridge connecting Km. 6 and Barangay Cruz of La Trinidad, which is a major road used by travelers going to other parts of Benguet and Mountain Province.

On July 29, 2019, Balili Bridge has shown signs of weakening, transverse cracks, and scouring has developed on the concrete deck due to wear and tear.

The Balili Bridge has a condition rating of “bad” based on the Bridge Management System due to the numerous defects of the deck of the bridge.