TACLOBAN CITY – The repair of the Hiagsam Bridge in Jaro town, Leyte is to be finished by next month with the completion of the half-lane of the bridge. This was announced by Engineer Carlos Veloso, head of the 2nd Leyte Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways (2nd LED-DPWH). This complete the first phase of the rehabilitation of the Hiagsam Bridge, damaged in 2014 after it was hit by typhoon “Senyang,” The first phase of the project was targeted to be finish this month. However, it was delayed due to the difficulties encountered in driving its huge pier deep down to the soil which needed additional soil exploration and boring tests.
With the completion of the half of the lane, Veloso declared an 83% rate completion of the work. The Hiagsam Bridge, considered among the major bridges in Leyte, is envisioned to be a four-lane bridge to accommodate increasing traffic volume. The bridge is a reinforced concrete deck girder (RCDG) bridge which is 19.3 meters wide and will span the length of 50.8 linear meters. It will be expanded on each side in line with the road widening projects being done to the public highways adjacent to the bridge.
Other improvement works will also be done on the bridge such as slope protection, drainage and sidewalks. The rehabilitation project of the Hiagsam Bridge, which started on November 16,2015 has a budget allocation of P37.9 million. While waiting for the completion of the bridge, an asphalt overlay detour spillway has been constructed as an alternative bridge and has since been utilized to provide access along this route. The detour bridge is accessible to motorcycle, light vehicles and medium truck. The detour bridge runs both ways. (AHLETTE C. REYES)
