Ecija DPWH check integrity of 10 bridges in 12 town, 3 cities
CABANATUAN CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways-Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office (NE-2nd DEO) here has conducted post-assessment inspections on the condition of 10 bridges within its area of jurisdiction in the aftermath of the magnitude 7.3 earthquake that hit Abra last July 27.
NE-2nd DEO District Engr. Elpidio Y. Trinidad said most of these 10 bridges which are located among major thoroughfares could still be considered “functional” but are however already “structurally-deficient” due to the age service factor.
“But this does not mean that the bridge can collapse or become unsafe for motorists. Remember that most of the bridges were built decades ago so it is necessary to determine which of these structures will require extensive repair and rehabilitation to restore them to their full operational capacity and extend their service life,” Trinidad said.
Four bridges undergoing repairs, maintenance and widening works were also checked by Trinidad and his OIC-assistant district engineeer Robert Jay N. Panaligan. These were the San Juan Bridge 3 and Bato Ferry Bridge in Laur; Sta Rosa Bridge in Sta. Rosa; and the Cabu Bridge detour in Cabanatuan City.
Also assessed for structural integrity were the Baluarte Bridges 1 and 2, Cababao Bridge, Doña Josefa Bridge and Malimba Bridge, all in Gapan City, and the Tablang Bridge in Palayan City.
Meanwhile, ADE Panaligan said they will continue to conduct load capacity evaluations on existing bridges along national roads to determine if the bridge load ratings are up to date based on their current condition.
The NE-2nd DEO has jurisdiction over the province’s third and fourth congressional districts which comprise the cities of Palayan, Cabanatuan and Gapan, and the 12 towns of Bongabon, Gabaldon, Gen. Natividad, Laur, Sta. Rosa, Cabiao, Gen.Tinio, Jaen, Penaranda, San Antonio, San Isidro and San Leonardo.
