The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Friday, Feb. 17, that it has completed the construction of a P173.7-million bridge that interconnects the far-flung communities in the town of Maria Aurora in Aurora province.
In a report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, DPWH Regional Office 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino noted that the project involved the construction of a 150-lineal meter bridge with 240-meter approach roads on both sides, providing motorists smoother travel between the bridge decks and roadway pavement.
Supervised by the DPWH Aurora District Engineering office (DEO), Tolentino stated that the project allows the bridge users “better connectivity" between Barangays Kadayakan and Bayanihan.
Bonoan added that a flood control structure with a total length of 1,083 lineal meters was also included in the project to safeguard the integrity of the bridge against geohazards.
He explained that the opening of the new bridge replaced the decades-old, temporary, single-lane Kadayakan Bridge that was only passable to light vehicles for safety reasons.
Prior to the completion of the bridge, Bonoan pointed out that the heavy vehicles had to make a detour through Barangay Dimanpudso just to get to Barangay Kadayakan and Barangay Bayanihan.
“With a more durable bridge that can accommodate all types of vehicles, Maria Aurora’s economy is seen to experience a boost through enhanced transportation of goods and people,’’ the DPWH said in a statement. (Chito A. Chavez)