TARLAC CITY The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Friday opened the P237 million bridge in Paniqui, Tarlac province.
Motorists and commuters in Tarlac will now have better mobility experience with the completion of the project implemented by DPWH Region 3 Office.
The inauguration of the structure was led by DPWH Assistant Regional Director Denise Maria M. Ayag and Tarlac First District Representative Jaime Eduardo Marc D. Cojuangco.
Started in 2020, this multi-year project involved the replacement of the existing 2-lane Cojuangco Bridge and the construction of a 186. 50-lineal meter, 2-lane parallel bridge along Paniqui-Camiling-Wawa Road in the town of Paniqui .
DPWH Region 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino said the motoring public will now enjoy the benefits of having a seamless transportation network connecting the towns of Ramos, Paniqui, and Camiling.
“Travel time between the municipalities connected by this bridge will be reduced and a significant improvement of traffic flow in the area is also expected. Motorists heading to Ramos can now use the newly constructed parallel bridge, while those heading to Camiling and San Clemente can take the existing Cojuangco Bridge,” Tolentino said.
Ayag said the DPWH prioritizes the widening of existing permanent bridges along the country’s major thoroughfares to provide both motorists and commuters a safe and reliable national road system.
“There are concerns over the current structural capacity of bridges that do not meet existing standards in terms of safety, load capacity, and serviceability, prompting the DPWH to implement measures that will strengthen these public structures, ensuring the unimpeded movement of goods, people, and government services,” Ayag said.
The project also includes the construction of concrete slope protection on both abutments of the parallel bridge, and the installation of road safety features such as thermoplastic pavement markings, curbs and gutters, and railings.
Also present in the event were Paniqui Mayor Leonardo Roxas, Vice Mayor Aida Bien Roxas, Tarlac 1st District Engineer Neil Farala, Regional Construction Division Assistant Chief Jayson Jauco, field engineers from the DPWH Regional Office III, and key officials of the Tarlac 1st District Engineering Office.
Tarlac 1st DEO's Public Affairs and Information Team headed by Mark Lord Hidalgo assisted in the coverage of the event. (RGN)