The ongoing reconstruction of the Tumagbok Bridge in Miagao town is in full blast, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office VI.
The ₱200 million project project involves the construction of 4 lanes, 3 spans Pre-Stressed Concrete Girder (PSCG), Type IV Bridge on bored pile foundation, including electrical lights, approaches and slope protection, with the total length of 35 meters.
The new bridge is being widened from the old, 2-lane bridge to complement the widening along the Iloilo-Antique Road.
In a report, Regional Director Wenceslao M. Leaño, Jr. said that the old Tumagbok Bridge is being replaced after it suffered severe damage due to continuous scouring of the river.
“This bridge is significant since it is along Iloilo-Antique Road, which is the only route from Iloilo City to southern part of Iloilo going to the province of Antique,” Leaño added.
A bridge condition inspection was conducted by DPWH Iloilo First District Engineering Office in July 2017 and the report indicated that the life span of the bridge has already expired, wherein, being an 80-year old bridge, it is already beyond the 50-year life span.
The report also showed that the bridge’s main support was broken before and was reinforced, however, it was not strong enough to support the structure, hence the need for immediate replacement.
Assistant Regional Director, Jose Al V. Fruto said that the replacement of the old bridge will provide better access along the main thoroughfare.
“Safety of the motorists and the general public is our main concern why we decided to replace the old, damaged bridge, considering that its steel members are already rusty and should not be used anymore,” Fruto said.
“Once completed, the project will help improve the socio-economic development in the town of Miagao through the smooth delivery of goods and services,” he added.
The said bridge project is expected to be completed on the second quarter of the current year.