The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is constructing a new bridge in Kalibo, Aklan that will support the national government program of providing good quality infrastructure that will further give boost to the promotion of trade and tourism.
DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that works are in progress for the P240 Million Kalibo Bridge 2 along Aklan East Road targeted to be completed in June 2015.
Singson said that the construction of the new bridge will assist the old Kalibo Bridge adjacent to the project in providing smooth travel from the towns of Kalibo to Numancia and vice versa.
“Kalibo Bridge 2 which has been undergoing construction is one of the priority projects of the Department in Western Visayas that shall facilitate tourism industry through better transportation from Aklan’s provincial capital of Kalibo and other areas in Panay going to Caticlan – the gateway to Boracay Island” said Singson.
According to DPWH Regional Director Edilberto Tayao, the two (2) lanes bridge project spanning Aklan River has a total length of 450-lineal meter consisting of 9 piers (bored piles) and 8 circular-type columns, and street lighting.
“It will have a higher elevation compared to the old one to reduce potential damage from strong water current and serious flooding,” Tayao added.
Tayao also reported that the DPWH Region 6 has also recently completed the 11-month rehabilitation and strengthening of the old Kalibo Bridge to facilitate safe land travel of motorists and commuters.
“We just completed rehabilitating the old bridge last July, and we are hoping that with this and the completion of the new Kalibo Bridge, we will have better road access to our tourism areas by next year,” said Tayao.
The town of Kalibo, famous for the annual Ati-Atihan Festival every January and which homes an international airport, is known to be the second-best (next to Caticlan) entry point of tourists going to the white island beach of Boracay.