The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced on Sunday, Nov. 6, that the replacement to the bridge that collapsed in Pangasinan over entry of overloaded trucks is already nearing completion.
In a report, the DPWH Regional Office 1 said it already installed a 45-meter span of the Carlos P. Romulo Bridge, formerly known as Wawa Bridge, located in Carmiling-Wawa-Bayambang-Malasiqui-Sta. Barbara Road.
"DPWH RO1 Team has successfully installed a total of 45 meters (15 spans × 3 meters) at the damaged/collapsed Span No. 12 of Carlos P. Romulo Bridge along Carmiling-Wawa-Bayambang-Malasiqui-Sta. Barbara Road, Brgy. Wawa in Bayambang, Pangasinan," said in a report.
"If weather permits, the bureau's rehabilitation team will be seen to complete the installation of both approaches on both sides and install the steel decks of the Bailey bridge," the statement read.
Once completed, DPWH said the auxiliary bridge only accommodates light vehicles. In the meantime, no trucks are allowed to pass the bridge.
The approach of the Wawa Bridge collapsed on October 20, after two overloaded trucks crossed the bridge.
According to the Pangasinan 4th District Engineering Office (DEO), the bridge has been designed for a 20 tons load limit, while the two trucks weigh almost 70 tons.
Motorists were advised to use the following routes:
All types of vehicles can take Bayambang-San Carlos-Aguilar Road via Bocboc Bridge-Mangatarem, and vice versa; Via Carmen Junction-Manat Road (National Road), take Bayambang-Bautista-Alcala-Sto. Tomas-Carmen, Rosales Road (Manila North Road) Rosales-Tarlac, and vice versa.
Meanwhile, light vehicles can traverse the Taka Bayambang-Sn Carlos-Urbiztondo-Mangatarem, and vice versa; Bayambang-Bautista-Moncada-Camiling Road, and vice versa; and the M.H. Del Pilar, Bayambang-Urbiztondo-Mangatarem-Camiling Road vice versa.