Replacement of destroyed footbridge in Pangasinan town completed
DIZON (FB)
DAGUPAN CITY – The replacement of the destroyed footbridge in Agno, Pangasinan has been completed 45 days since the start of its construction.
"Minadali talaga natin itong unang bridge dahil tag-ulan na at pasukan nanaman so nakakatuwa na nagagamit na ito ng mga estudyante (We expedited this first bridge because of the rainy season and start of classes so we are glad that the students are able to use it already)," Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said in an interview on Tuesday during his visit to Agno.
Construction began on April 30 and was completed June 14 this year.
Dizon said another bridge will be constructed in the same location next year.
"Ginawa natin ito maayos na pero next year gagawa pa tayo ng isa pang mas malapad na tulay para pati tricycle at four-wheel na maliliit puwede ng dumaan (We fixed it already but we will construct a wider bridge next year so that even a tricycle and four-wheeled smaller cars can pass)," he said.
The previous footbridge was destroyed during typhoon Emong last year. Dizon said the 88 linear meters in length and 1.4 meters in width temporary steel bridge was funded with some P10 million from the DPWH's quick response fund.
The bridge connects Barangay San Juan here and the neighboring southern barangays of Burgos town to Barangay Bangan Od.
Rowena Neypes, a resident of Barangay San Juan, said she now feels safe crossing the river.
Residents of Barangay San Juan said they crossed the Balincaguing River using boats during the rainy season when the temporary footbridge made of bamboo was washed out due to high water level.
Otherwise, they endure a 30 to 45-minute travel by land. (PNA)