Tarlac City:A Bailey bridge has been opened in Tarlac City by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), three weeks following the collapse of the Agana Bridge due to heavy monsoon rains.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH announced that only light vehicles with a maximum load of 10 tons are permitted on the new bridge. Additionally, a speed limit of 20 kph is enforced to ensure safety.
The Bailey bridge, chosen for its rapid assembly and installation capabilities, aims to quickly restore road access. The DPWH urged the public to comply with the load limit and adhere to a stop-and-go traffic scheme for the safe passage of motorists and pedestrians.
A list of vehicles allowed to cross the bridge includes sedans, hatchbacks, crossovers, SUVs, pickup trucks, standard passenger vans, jeepneys, lightweight trucks, coasters, motorcycles, e-bikes, and tricycles. However, fuel trucks, dump trucks, buses, trailer trucks, and concrete mixers are prohibited.
Before opening the bridge to traffic, the DPWH conducted load testing on Tuesday. This rapid response followed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive on September 2, after inspecting the damaged Agana Bridge in Barangay Cutcut 1, to construct a Bailey bridge for temporary access restoration.
