BUTUAN CITY – The construction of the P180-million Wawa bridge along the Daang Maharlika national highway in Agusan del Sur province was already completed and set for inauguration, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here.
DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar is expected to lead the blessing and inauguration of the bridge anytime this month, it was disclosed yesterday.
In an exclusive interview with The Manila Bulletin, DPWH Region 13 Director Engr. Pol M. Delos Santos said the completion of this bridge will provide a wider perspective on inter-regional linkages that can maintain a continuous flow of traffic even with the increased volume of vehicles passing through the Agusan-Davao Section of the Daang Maharlika highway.
“This bridge will accelerate mobility, economic activity, efficiency in the delivery of basic services and provide sustainable growth for agriculture, commerce and tourism development to the cities and municipalities along Daang Maharlika Road in Northeastern Mindanao,” the region’s top DPWH 13 official said.
The construction of this bridge started on August 8, 2018, and was completed within its target completion date, he said.
“The project description is the completion of 240.80 linear meter- 6 spans pre-stressed concrete girder (PSGC) bridge from 2 lanes to 4 lanes (construction of parallel bridge), including .748 kilometers paved road approaches and provision of RCBC drainage structure,” said Delos Santos in his progress report to Villar.
The funding of the construction of the project was under regular DPWH infrastructure budget of 2018 with ADFIL Construction as contractor.
“The bridge widening project has a great impact in its full economic activities, and provide more sustainable growth for agriculture and commerce development of the province known as the ‘Land of Golden Opportunities,” Delos Santos said.
It is likewise expected to facilitate tourism growth of that fast-rising Agusan del Sur province, which aside from being previously known to be home of the largest crocodile in the world ”Lolong”, also showcases colorful cultural festivities, cold and hot springs, eco-park and perfect mountainous sceneries, the region’s top DPWH official added.