The Department of Public Works and Highways said it has widened the Magbaboy Bridge in Barangay Buluangan, San Carlos City, adding this is a vital infrastructure linking the provinces of Occidental and Oriental Negros.
Undertaken by the DPWH Negros Occidental Sub District Engineering Office, the P32-million project involved bridge widening, from two to four lanes, to complement the already four-lane road; and the construction of two spans Reinforced Concrete Deck Girder (RCDG) to address the rising traffic demands, provide ease of mobility, and ensure safer transportation.
The DPWH has widened the bridge to facilitate faster and more convenient mobility of people, goods, and services, regional director Sanny Boy Oropel said in a statement March 20, adding the bridge improvement enhances road infrastructure development, eases mobility of people and delivery of government services, supports local economy, and connect communities.
“The widened bridge provides crucial linkage among suppliers, consumers and markets, creating more economic opportunities and increased access to various essential services,” Oropel said.
OIC-District Engineer Juan Alfonso Jorbina Jr. also said the bridge, strategically located along the national highway, will address the rising traffic demands and provide ease of mobility and safer transportation.
“This bridge serves as a vital connection in the delivery of goods and services, bridging the way for communities for better access to resources; thus, efficient transportation is ensured to improve the quality of life of people in cities and provinces,” Jorbina added.
Inspired by an old American era bridge design, the 42-meter bridge widening project also included the construction of a 170-meter road approach on both abutments, and the installation of railings that captures the essence of the historical roots of the place, the DPWH said.
This development provides a seamless connectivity, ensures stability and durability of the infrastructure, promotes historical preservation, and highlights transformation from old to a more resilient modern infrastructure, it added. ||
