BUNAWAN, Agusan del Sur – The Department of Public Works and Highways recently completed the P260-million Simulao parallel bridge here, enabling people to have better access and faster transport of goods and services to towns, cities, and provinces in Northeastern Mindanao and neighboring regions.

VEHICLES cross the newly completed Simulao parallel bridge (right) in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. (Photo via Mike U. Crismundo) 

The bridge is a vital network passing through the Agusan-Davao Section of Daang Maharlika, said DPWH-13 Director Engr. Pol M. delos Santos.

“This completed parallel bridge along the Daang Maharlika is very vital because from this region (Caraga), it will connect to other parts in Mindanao and the rest of the country,” Delos Santos said.

The bridge has two lanes with eight piers with a total length of 140 lineal meters and roller barriers (guard rails) with light emitting diode lights that guide travelers on the approaches especially at night and prevent collisions, said Delos Santos in his progress report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan.

Provincial and municipal officials and residents said this bridge gives them comfort and assurance of a safe and lasting carriageway as compared to the old concrete parallel bridge built years ago which collapsed in the early 2000s due to two strong typhoons that hit the area. 

They said the strong current of the Simulao River damaged the piers of the bridge. A temporary steel bridge was subsequently built but later on concerned the people since it became old and can no longer sustain the heavy load of vehicles such as trailers, trucks loaded with falcata logs, and buses.

Agusan del Sur Rep. Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza sad the new bridge will “surely boost more the robust economic activity and growing economic growth in the province.” This is really a big boost in the province’s economic activity, Plaza said.