Catarman N. Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways- Northern Samar 1st has recently completed the replacement of Sabang Bridge in lavezares, Northern Samar.
The project involves the replacement of old Bridge with a new 33m length by 7.32m width Single-Span Pre-Stress Concrete Girder (PSCG) bridge, built on a pre-cast reinforced concrete Pile Foundation. Major components of the project included the construction of detour bridge, installation of a cut-off wall with riprap for abutment protection, slope protection (18m at downstream and 55.70m at upstream of abutment A), painting works along railings, installation of metal guardrail, provision of 6 pcs solar street lights and installation of yellow and white thermoplastic pavement markings.
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio said that the project addresses long-standing safety concerns associated with old bridge, which had become structurally unsafe for regular use.
In an interview, Ulito Olevario, a 45-year-old habal-habal driver and a resident of Sabang Tabok shared how the replacement works helps them.
“Ine nga tulay, dako-dako nga bulig saam nga mga parag-habal-haba, una,apiki na am pag-agi na deri pareho sadto nga nag-aalang-alang kami kay nagbabay-og an tulay, pero ine yana okay na, maupay na, hataas na. Diri na gud sagkaon ura-ura. Kaurugan mga estudyante ak mga sakay, tapos pag may-ada sin karyada na mga kopras, karga din kami. Dito din kami dumadaan sa tulay na ito.” said Oliverio said.
Another resident, Eva Billiones, also expressed her gratitude.
“Nagpapaslamat kami nga ginbag-o ine niyan kay tungod ine nga tulay an dati pa ng-uuga-uga,makaharadok na siya again sa mga dagko nga sarakyan.kaya pasalamat kami nga gin-bag-o. Mas marig-on ine kaysa sa dati. Irog san mga nag-aaragi nga mga estudyante nga nagbabaraktas la,mao iton an kaupayan sine kaya mas safe na sira ngade mag-agi kesa san una” Eva Billiones further stated.
The replacement of Sabang Bridge costing P49.52-million came after it was identified by the DPWH Bridge Management System (BMS) Inventory as among the weak bridges requiring replacement due to 40 years of wear and tear.
With the completion of the new Sabang Bridge, commuters and transport vehicles will soon experience safer, more efficient, and seamless travel significantly improving connectivity along the Allen–Catarman route.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)
