NEW BRIDGE. An aerial photo of the newly-constructed bridge in Paniqui, Tarlac which was formally opened to motorists and commuters on Friday (March 10, 2023). The Department of Public Works and Highways implemented the multi-year project with a total funding of PHP237.97 million. (Photo courtesy of DPWH Region 3)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) inaugurated on Friday a PHP237.97-million bridge project that will provide a better and faster road network to motorists and commuters in Tarlac province.
DPWH 3 (Central Luzon) Director Roseller A. Tolentino said the motoring public would now enjoy the benefits of a seamless transportation network connecting the towns of Ramos, Paniqui, and Camiling.
“Travel time between the municipalities connected by this bridge will be reduced and a significant improvement of traffic flow in the area is also expected. Motorists heading to Ramos can now use the newly constructed parallel bridge, while those heading to Camiling and San Clemente can take the existing Cojuangco Bridge,” Tolentino said in a statement.
Started in 2020, the project involved the replacement of the existing two-lane Cojuangco Bridge and the construction of a 186. 50-lineal meter, two-lane parallel bridge along Paniqui-Camiling-Wawa Road in Paniqui town.
It also includes the construction of concrete slope protection on both abutments of the parallel bridge, and the installation of road safety features, such as thermoplastic pavement markings, curbs and gutters, and railings.
DPWH-3 Assistant Regional Director Denise Maria M. Ayag said the DPWH is prioritizing the widening of the existing permanent bridges along the country’s major thoroughfares to provide both motorists and commuters with a safe and reliable national road system.
“There are concerns over the current structural capacity of bridges that do not meet existing standards in terms of safety, load capacity, and serviceability, prompting the DPWH to implement measures that will strengthen these public structures, ensuring the unimpeded movement of goods, people, and government services,” she said.
Ayag and Tarlac 1st District Rep. Jaime Eduardo Marc D. Cojuangco were among the officials that led the inauguration of the multi-year project.
Also present at the event were Paniqui Mayor Leonardo Roxas, Vice Mayor Aida Bien Roxas, Tarlac 1st District Engineer Neil Farala, Regional Construction Division Assistant Chief Jayson Jauco, and other DPWH officials. (PNA)
