THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 intends to hold a dry run for the temporary steel bridge in Dumlog, Sibonga on Friday.
If everything will go smoothly, they will open the temporary link to vehicles on Saturday.
DPWH 7 Director Ador Canlas said the work on the steel bridge has reached at least 70 percent, and buses and other vehicles can proceed with their normal route to the south.
“Practically, na-connect na yung bridge (the bridge is already connected),” Canlas said.
He explained that after they launched or installed the bridge panels, transom and braces, which are the main components of the steel bridge, last Friday, they now have connected the steel components on both ends.
Flash flood
Last Dec. 30, the 18-meter approach of the Dumlog bridge collapsed during a flash flood caused by tropical storm Seniang.
The bridge connects the towns of Sibonga and Argao.
An alternative route through Barangays Bagacay, Lindogon and Simala in Sibonga is being used by buses.
Engineer Elvis Calunod, chief of the DPWH 7 maintenance division, said they have finished 70 percent of the temporary bridge as of yesterday.
He said they will test the capacity of the temporary bridge by conducting a dry run.
Calunod said they will do the dry run on Friday afternoon.
“Kami unay testing kay kung the bridge cannot carry, kami ray mangadaot (We will be the ones to try the bridge first to spare the public if it fails),” said Calunod.
He said they will start placing the steel decks after they install the main components of the steel bridge.
The steel bridge will have a capacity of 20 tons. It will be 59.076 meters long and will have a 35-meter approach on both ends.
Canlas said they are working 24 hours a day just to beat the deadline, which is before the Sinulog grand parade on Jan. 18.
“Hopefully, you will help us pray to the Sto. Niño that it will no longer rain,” Canlas said.
However, he assured that even if it rains, the DPWH will continue working.
Malabuyoc
Meanwhile, Engineer Jocelyn Orcullo, maintenance chief of Cebu’s Fourth Engineering District, said the 14 cargo trucks that can carry up to 40 tons were allowed yesterday to pass Saliring Bridge in Malabuyoc.
He said these trucks were stranded since Saturday after DPWH continued to monitor the bridge.
Orcullo said DPWH 4th Engineering District Head James Dellosa is monitoring the area.