CATARMAN,Northern Samar– Top officials led by District Engineer Mario D. Villena of the Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar First District Engineering Office inspected the Palanit Bridge after the district limits the traffic across the 51-year-old Bridge in Brgy. Palanit, San Isidro Northern Samar.
DE Villena was accompanied by Assistant District Engineer Vivian G. Biaco, Construction Chief Engineer Vicente C. Galecio, Planning and Design Chief Engineer Andy S. Ereño, and Acting Maintenance Chief Engineer Dahlia T. De Asis. The inspection aimed to oversee the extent of bridge defects instigating the office to limit the traffic to one lane passable for light vehicles only.
The measure was imposed after the assessment revealed that the bridge steel girder (span 2) is now deteriorated, if left unattended, it will be unsafe to the motorists and heavy vehicles plying along the area and vice versa.
District Engineer Mario D. Villena immediately instructed the issuance of travel advisory for public awareness. Signages were also installed to caution the travelling public while maintenance personnel were deployed to man 24-hour traffic along the said bridge.
DE Villena has coordinated to the regional and central office requesting for immediate assistance in the rehabilitation/strengthening of the bridge while waiting for the release of replacement funds.
“Palanit Bridge is now vulnerable to collapse if said bridge is not replaced immediately,” said DE Villena.
Meantime, motorists and heavy vehicles, are advised to take the Cataman-Calbayog via Lope De Vega Road section as an alternative route while authorities are continuously conducting comprehensive assessments.
Public safety is the utmost priority of the office and will ensure that the public will be informed on the conducted measures and development works for said bridge.
(ANALIZA PABIA, PIO ALTERNATE/PR)
