TACLOBAN CITY, June 5 (PNA) – A major bridge in Leyte will be closed to all types of vehicles from June 8 to 19 due to ongoing repair, the Leyte Second Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH 2nd LED) announced on Friday.
The full closure of Daguitan Bridge in Dulag, Leyte is primarily due to the “jacking of the bridge’s pier 2and 3, and concrete pouring and curing of coppings.”
Prior to this, Daguitan Bridge, which is a vital connection for transportation to Leyte’s southern part, as well as a vital link in the Luzon to Mindanao national highway, has been undergoing massive repairs and rehabilitation and was open only to vehicles weighing up to two tons.
However, the DPWH 2nd LED is fast tracking the project to meet its July 2015 deadline thus full closure to all vehicles is needed.
Transportation and other motorists are advised to use the alternative Dulag-Julita-Burauen-Lapaz-Mayorga road instead.
Veloso otherwise disclosed that rehabilitation works on the bridge were delayed during Typhoon Seniang when the bridge pier collapsed under the strong current of the Daguitan River.
Added to that, the district engineer said funding for the rehabilitation came later than expected, as part of the Yolanda-affected projects.
The official said fast tracking of the Dulag Daguitan Bridge is necessary as the alternative Daguitan Bridge in Burauen is also scheduled for rehabilitation.
“We really need to finish the Daguitan Bridge in Dulag because the alternative route used these days passes through another Daguitan Bridge in Burauen which also badly needs repair,” Veloso added.(PNA)
FPV/SQMAHLETTE C. REYES/EGR
