7 of 8 Vizcaya bridge projects suffer delays

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—Seven of eight bridge projects here and in Diadi town under the government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program have suffered delays, disrupting travel in Cagayan Valley.

The bridge-widening projects along Daang Maharlika, the region’s main highway, had been blamed for a number of road crashes and massive traffic congestion here and in Diadi.

Records from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) showed that the bridge projects, costing P195 million, had incurred delays, some by as long as seven months.

DPWH is expanding the bridges in Barangay Bonfal, Kalungkong, Colocol and Busilac in Bayombong as well as those in Barangay Buaya, Rosario and Oriwong in Diadi by adding two more lanes to the four-lane stretches of the highway.

Only the Rosario Bridge has been completed. —MELVIN GASCON