TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is stepping up efforts to improve bridge connectivity in Tarlac, with the completion of rectification works to the Bailey bridge in Tarlac City, while preparing to rehabilitate the Aquino bridge and construct additional crossings to improve mobility and traffic flow in the province.
The completed rectification works involved repairs to the bridge’s steel decking to improve its stability and increase its load capacity, allowing the temporary crossing to continue serving motorists and commuters while permanent infrastructure solutions are being pursued.
During an inspection, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the improvements had increased the bridge’s load capacity to up to 15 tons.
The DPWH is also assessing whether buses can safely use the Bailey bridge to accommodate more commuters and improve public transportation access.
“Ngayon, we’re very happy doon sa performance ng bridge natin and dahil diyan, tuloy-tuloy ang daloy ng trapiko,” Dizon said.
In a statement, Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap said the completed repairs have allowed the bridge to accommodate two-way traffic, making it more convenient for residents and motorists to cross.
“Matapos ang mga isinagawang pagkukumpuni, maaari na pong daanan ang tulay nang two-way para mas mapadali ang pagtawid ng ating mga kababayan. Mas maayos na rin po ang daloy ng trapiko kumpara sa mga nakaraang araw,” she stated.
Meanwhile, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DPWH is preparing for the rehabilitation of the damaged Aquino Bridge, with a design meeting set to finalize the repair plan.
The department is also planning to construct a second bridge beside the existing Agana Bridge to increase crossing capacity and improve traffic flow in the area.
“Next year sisimulan na natin iyong isa pang tulay na katabi nitong Agana. Magko-construct na tayo next year ng panibagong tulay para dodoble na iyong capacity natin dito,” Dizon announced.
He added that the proposed bridge is targeted for completion by 2028, potentially in the early part of the year.
In addition, DPWH is also considering constructing a parallel bridge near the Aquino Bridge to provide an additional crossing and further improve mobility in the area.
The Agana and Aquino bridges along the Tarlac River were both damaged by strong river currents following heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon in August, disrupting transportation and access in parts of Tarlac City. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
