Temporary bridge links Lanao del Norte towns
ILIGAN CITY, Philippines—A temporary bridge linking Linamon and Kauswagan towns in Lanao del Norte is now open to vehicular traffic, an official of the Department of Public Works and Highways said.
Rey Peter Gelli, DPWH district engineer in Lanao del Norte, said the bridge could accommodate only 20 tons.
Gelli told the Inquirer that they opened the steel-made Bailey bridge to vehicular traffic around 10:30 a.m. Monday.
Because the temporary bridge spans only one lane, authorities are regulating vehicular flow at both ends, allowing 10 vehicles to pass it from each direction at a time.
The concrete 51-meter bridge gave way during a flood on Jan. 13, cutting off a vital link between the northern and western Mindanao regions.
The alternative for travelers is a boat ride between Iligan and Ozamiz cities, or taking outriggers to cross the Larapan River.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council estimated the cost of the damaged bridge at P82 million. The DPWH estimated that its replacement will cost some P155 million.
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