LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Department of Public Works and Highways-First Benguet District Engineering Office (DPWH-FBDEO) announced the Balili Bridge along the Halsema Highway, particularly below the Provincial Capitol, will not yet be opened to heavy vehicles until all programmed works are completed to ensure the structure will be safe for use.
DPWH-FBDEO District Engineer Ireneo S. Gallato said the programmed P14.4 million retrofitting of the bridge columns is already completed but the P8 million installation of the bridge deck has yet to be implemented by the contractor because of issues on the appropriate implementation scheme while the project is underway.
He disclosed a proposed scheme on how to undertake the installation of the bridge deck was already submitted to the central office for approval which upon approval, the project will immediately commence.
“We understand the plight of the operators and drivers of heavy vehicles plying the said route but we appeal for their utmost understanding and patience for us to complete the remaining works so that they can safely traverse the damaged bridge,” District Engineer Gallato stressed.
The DPWH-FBDEO official claimed once approved scheme for the installation of the bridge deck is released, it will not take too long for the contractor to install the needed bridge deck to guarantee the stability of the structure for all types of vehicles travelling in and out of the capital town.
The Balili Bridge below the Provincial Capitol was heavily damaged at the height of monsoon rains middle of last year prompting its closure the same for all vehicles but eventually opened to light vehicles with a gross weight of nor more than 5 tons while funds were being sourced out from the central office to implement the appropriate mitigating measures that will prevent the bridge from being totally closed that will result to tremendous sufferings by the motorists.
Initially, Gallato, through the assistance of the late Rep. Nestor Fongwan, Sr., source out P14.4 million for the programmed retrofitting of the bridge structure while another P8 million was added to ensure the installation of the bridge deck that will prevent the further deterioration of the structure and for the same to be opened to all types of motor vehicles while awaiting the provision of the P51 million required to construct a new bridge in the said area.
According to him, no one is working in the project site because the retrofitting project is already completed but the contractor has still some units of equipment and other construction materials in the vicinity of the bridge in preparation for the eventual installation of the bridge deck to complete the safety of the structure and eventually allow heavy motor vehicles to pass through the area.
The Balili Bridge was constructed in 1962, completing its 50-year lifespan, thus, the need for the same to be retrofitted.
By HENT
File photo by Armando M. Bolislis
