MANILA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Thursday inaugurated a multi-million bridge project crossing Cagayan River that will serve as a vital link between the municipalities of Angadanan and San Guillermo, and other towns in the province of Isabela.
DPWH Secretary Mark Villar led the opening of the new Pigalo Bridge worth PHP459-million which replaced the old and dilapidated structure devastated by Typhoons Pedring and Quiel in 2011.
“Durability and ease of transportation is no question. Although the bridge was completed last March, we continued to improve the integrity of the structure due to the anticipated high volume of heavy vehicles that are expected to pass through the bridge on a daily basis,” he said in a statement.
The undertaking implemented by DPWH Regional Office 2, involves the construction of a 450-meter long bridge with 250-meter approaches on each side, 7.32-meter carriageway, with nine 2-2.50-diameter bored piles and two abutments with drainage structures and embankment protection works.
Also included in the project is the provision of concrete sidewalk and installation of concrete railings to secure accessibility for pedestrians.
“The best asset of this new mega bridge is that it will provide direct access for residents in outlying barangays while at the same time, ensuring safe and convenient travel for both locals and tourists,” Villar added.
Aside from connectivity, the road will also serve as an efficient transport facility for the delivery of agricultural products from far-flung areas to big commercial hubs in the Cagayan Valley Region.
“With this bridge, travel time between the Barangays of Angadanan and San Guillermo will be shortened by 30 minutes, thus promoting faster and easier transport of goods and services,” the DPWH chief said. (PNA)
