DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan – The temporary Bailey Bridge at Carlos P. Romulo Bridge along Camiling-Wawa-Bayambang-
Esperanza Tinaza, regional public information officer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Ilocos, said the Bailey Bridge is a one-way traffic bridge with a five tons load limit.
“Vehicles passing the bridge should be 20 meters apart. In order to notify drivers and pedestrians, warning signs were also placed along the route,” Tinaza said.
She added that through the efforts of the DPWH Regional Office I – Equipment Management Division, and Pangasinan Fourth District Engineering Office, the installation of the Bailey Bridge was completed in two weeks.
The Bailey Bridge will serve as a temporary bridge after the Carlos P. Romulo Bridge collapsed on October 20 due to overloading, she said.
The DPWH and the local government unit (LGU) of Bayambang advised trucks, buses, and other vehicles weighing more than five tons to use alternate routes.
Motorists are advised to use the Bayambang-San Carlos-Aguilar Road via Bocboc Bridge-Mangatarem, and vice versa as an alternate route.
They can also take Carmen Junction-Manat Road (National Road), take Bayambang-Bautista-Alcala-Sto. Tomas-Carmen, Rosales Road/Manila North Road (Rosales-Tarlac), and vice versa.
In a message, Mayor Mary Clare Judith Phyllis “Niña” Jose-Quiambao expressed her gratitude to DPWH, the provincial government of Pangasinan as well as other LGUs, and to LGU employees who have extended their assistance and services and to residents for their patience and support.
Earlier, the local government of Bayambang arranged free transportation from Barangay San Vicente to the Bayambang Municipal Hall and vice-versa for affected students, workers, and individuals while the guidelines for riding a motorized boat to pass through the river were also set.
“Mayroon tayong mga miyembro ng Barangay Police Security Officer, Philippine National Police, at mga Civilian Volunteer Organization na naka-destino doon (bridge) upang i-monitor ang mga dadaan. Mangyari ay sumunod po tayo sa batas trapiko doon upang manatiling ligtas ang lahat,” she said.
She added, “Asahan ninyo na patuloy tayong makikipagtulungan sa DPWH sa konstruksyon at pagsasaayos ng Carlos P. Romulo bridge.” (PIA Pangasinan) BY: APRIL M. MONTES-BRAVO