A new bridge linking two rural communities in San Antonio, Nueva Ecija has been opened to the public.
Roseller A. Tolentino, director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 3 (Central Luzon), said on Tuesday the two-lane Luyos-Buliran Bridge would help spur the local economy and provide ease of travel to the residents.
Prior to the construction of the bridge, villagers and motorists would have to travel for one hour to reach Barangay Luyos from Barangay Buliran, he said, adding that the new bridge has reduced the travel time to only 15 minutes.
“The two barangays are separated by the Pampanga River and when the old bridge was severely damaged, the people of Barangay Buliran suffered a lot because it was difficult for them to bring their agricultural products to the nearby markets. Now, we have restored the link between the two rural communities,” Tolentino said in an official social media post.
Before the completion of the PHP123-million bridge project, residents, in going to the adjacent barangay, had to pass through the Sta. Isabel Bridge in Cabiao town, then pass through the San Isidro Bridge in the municipality of San Isidro.
The project was implemented in two phases. The first phase involved the construction of the substructure of the bridge from the bored piles up to the coping, erection of columns, and the fabrication of girders.
The second phase, on the other hand, included the construction of the bridge’s superstructure, roadway approaches for both of the abutments, and slope protection works.
“We are optimistic that this infrastructure will not only provide access to residents but more on providing more opportunities for growth and development in the area,” Tolentino said.
Source: Philippines News Agency
