CLARK FREEPORT – A major bridge linking Zambales and Subic Bay Freeport opened to traffic yesterday, easing traffic flow along the busy thoroughfares of Olongapo City.
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said it opened the newly opened Kalaklan Bridge is considered the freeport’s gateway to Zambales. It was closed last year amid heavy damage sustained over years of use.
The SBMA funded the bridge for P218.84 million. It is 90 meters long, has two 4-meter wide vehicle lanes, and one covered and lighted pedestrian lane.
Other components of the bridge include an administrative building, a three-lane entrance gate, waiting shed, new vehicle processing and security plaza, spacious parking area for trailers and heavy trucks, installation of traffic signals, and other road safety features.
Armand Arreza, administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said the administration building will house the SBMA satellite offices of the Treasury, Law Enforcement, and Seaport departments. It will also provide an office space for the Bureau of Customs.
The original Kalaklan Bridge, along with the Magsaysay Bridge at the free port’s main gate, was built by the U.S. Navy in the early 60’s.
The SBMA said that an average of 2,500 light vehicles and some 300 pedestrians passed daily through the Kalaklan Bridge before it was shut down for repairs.
The closure led to congested traffic in Olongapo City and prolonged travel between Olongapo and the freeport by half an hour.
