Residents of barangays Canlusong and San Isidro in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, can now safely cross Malogo Bridge with the construction of the Sitio Calaptan Bridge, worth P24.7 million.
The project involved the construction of a two-lane, 30-span Reinforced Concrete Deck Girder bridge with grouted riprap, gabions, and metallic coating; as well as an 810-square meter unreinforced Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP), and a 24-square meter reinforced PCCP.
Implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways Negros Occidental 1st District Engineering Office, the road paving from both approaches provides better access for all types of vehicles, and ensure protection from erosion that may be caused by turbulent water flow.
DPWH Region 6 director Nerie Bueno said the new bridge provides uninterrupted transportation access and easier delivery of goods and services; and offers a huge improvement from the old overflow bridge that used to connect the two communities.
โThis new bridge allows motorists and the riding public to reach Brgy. Canlusong, passing through Brgy. San Isidro, and leading to various communities in the uplands of E.B. Magalona,โ Bueno said in a statement, adding that the transport of agricultural products from farms to the market will be more convenient and cost-effective, compared to manually carrying the products across the bridge when water rises along the previous overflow bridge, which made it impossible for vehicles to pass.
OIC District Engineer Dene Baldonado Jr. said the old Malogo overflow bridge was already dilapidated, and one side had collapsed, causing traffic problem when heavy rain occurs, and posing tremendous danger, especially for heavily-loaded trucks.
Baldonado said that although the Malogo River is mostly calm, it still poses hazard, especially during the rainy season when the river, at times, suddenly shift from low discharge to raging currents.
โBuilding this bridge brings greater comfort and lesser distress among our motorists and the general public,โ he said, adding the new bridge will also provide more economic opportunities as trucks loaded with crops and agricultural products can continuously travel from farms to the market. ||
