A VITAL bridge that will connect the four barangays to the town plaza in San Simon town is set for construction this year.
Mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr. said the concreting of the San Jose-San Miguel bridge will replace the existing steel bridge, which was constructed in 2009.
"The existing bridge is already old, nearly- dilapidated and cannot accommodate heavy vehicles, causing residents and businesses from affected barangays to incur additional transportation expenses," he said.
The replacement of the said bridge is also in compliance with the Department of Public Works and Highways' measure to make all bridge along national roads to be concrete, said Municipal Engineer Benigno Bonus.
The concrete bridge, which has a total funding of P375 million, will be about 160-meter long, excluding its approaches, and upgraded by around three meters.
On Friday, Punsalan, together with representatives of the DPWH, met with residents around the existing bridge who will be displaced or will be affected by the construction.
The mayor vowed for a fair compensation for the owners of 12 structures and 10 lots in Barangay San Jose portion, and seven structures and 10 lots in the area of San Miguel which will be affected by the project.
Punsalan said the construction is set to commence on May this year, and is expected to be completed by next year.
While ongoing construction, the steel bridge will be moved to the side so the travel of motorists and pedestrians will not be hampered, the mayor said.
He added that once finished said the infrastructure will benefit Barangays San Jose, San Miguel, Sta. Cruz, San Nicolas and Concepcion.
"Once finished, residents of affected barangays, including businessmen need not to go around Bulacan or San Luis town to access MacArthur Highway or NLEx because our bridge can already accommodate them," he said.