Frank-damaged bridges in Panay now passable

PIA Press Release 2008/07/31

Frank-damaged bridges in Panay now passable

Iloilo City (31 July) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways 6 (DPWH 6) recently reported that more bridges in Panay Island damaged by typhoon "Frank" are now passable.

In his report to Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, in-charge of Visayas Operation, DPWH 6 Director Rolando Asis said that the Valderrama Bridge, one of the major bridges in Antique province damaged by the typhoon is now completed and open to vehicular traffic after massive repair done by the department.

"The installation of bailey panels to replace washed out three spans of old Valderama Bridge along Bugasong-Valderama Road in Antique was completed," said Asis in his report. About P5 million was spent for the installation of bailey panels.

The DPWH 6 Director also cited in his report that bridges in Iloilo province which are now passable include Jalaur Bridge in Calinog; Suage Bridge in Janiuay; Kantil Box Culvert in Badiangan; Inguan and Tacuyong Detour Bridges in Leon; Binanua-an Bridge in Guimbal; and Tiolas and Ambuyu-an Bridges in San Joaquin.

According to the DPWH 6 other bridges in Western Visayas that became impassable after the typhoon but were immediately repaired included the following: San Roque Bridge, Libertad, Antique; Dalanas Bridge, Barbaza, Antique; Tibiao Bridge, Tibiao, Antique; Guinbanggaan Bridge, Lauan, Antique; Asluman Bridge, Hamtic, Antique; Sibalom and Initan Bridges in Sibalom, Antique; Libonan Bridge, San Remegio, Antique; and Balusbos and Ibajay (old) and Bridges in Aklan.

Asis said that most of the bridges with minor damage are now open to light vehicles at the end of June and early July 2008 following the immediate repair of washed out or damaged approaches.

He attributed the prompt restoration to the immediate release of fund as directed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during a Cabinet Meeting held in Iloilo City.

"With bridging materials already delivered on site to heavily damaged bridges of Tigum and Imelda Marcos Bridges in Cabatuan, Iloilo, the installation of bailey bridge as temporary passage is expected to be completed by end of August 2008", said Asis.

Undersecretary Yabut has also instructed DPWH Region 6 to improve the alternate routes, hasten the preparation of engineering design for permanent replacement bridges and continue the cleaning and clearing of roads from muds to prevent travel inconvenience and prevent accidents. (PIA)

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