CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the full rehabilitation of Sta. Rosa Bridge in Nueva Ecija will commence as soon as all attachments to the structure have been removed.
The 542.40-lineal meter infrastructure is located along the Sta. Rosa-Tarlac Road in Sta. Rosa town.
DPWH Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineer Elpidio Trinidad said the removal of telecommunication lines and structures such as the barangay hall beneath the bridge was undertaken to facilitate the rehabilitation work on the bridge’s deck slab, sidewalk, and railings.
“All obstructions must be cleared in order to prevent any disruptions and accidents during project implementation. Our office is eyeing a November 13, 2023 date to begin the civil works,” he furthered.
Trinidad also clarified that light vehicles, including modern jeepneys traveling to and from the province of Tarlac, will be allowed to cross throughout the bridge’s rehabilitation thus ensuring continued access for commuters.
“As agreed with our stakeholders, we will install a 2.7-meter vertical clearance to prevent large trucks, trailers, and other vehicles from using the structure. This measure is intended to enhance commuter safety during the repair work,” the official shared.
To ensure that traffic build-up is mitigated as a result of the bridge rehabilitation, the project contractor has already coordinated with the municipal government of Sta. Rosa and the local police station for traffic management, particularly during peak hours.
Various informative, directional, and traffic signs will be installed to guide motorists, and a stop-and-go scheme will be implemented with one-lane traffic alternating to allow light vehicles to pass through the bridge.
To prevent traffic congestion at the junction of Sta. Rosa-Tarlac Road and Maharlika Highway, DPWH advises heavy vehicles traveling between Cabanatuan and San Leonardo, or to and from Zaragoza, to use the Sta. Rosa Bypass Road or the Sta. Rosa-Jaen Road as alternative routes.
DPWH anticipates the bridge rehabilitation to be completed within 270 calendar days and requests the public’s adherence to traffic rules, while appealing for patience and understanding regarding any inconvenience caused during this period. (CLJD-PIA 3)
