Traffic is light as repair starts at Fernan bridge

CEBU, Philippines - Traffic was light at the Marcelo Fernan Bridge when repair work began Monday evening.

Contractor PLD Construction attributed the smooth flow of traffic to a well planned repair, focusing on one lane at a time, the bridge having four lanes.

But some also attribute the smooth flow of traffic to the conclusion of classes for this semester.

At the same time traffic signs were also installed to inform motorists about the ongoing repairs.

DPWH said it has postponed the scraping of the asphalt at the Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge Monday evening because the cold milling machine had bogged down.

Personnel of PLD Construction shifted repairs to the expansion joints so as not to waste time.

Engr. Renult Ricardo, assistant district engineer of DPWH, said time is being utilized by starting with the repair of one expansion joint from the side of Mandaue.

He said the repair of two expansion joints will be done throughout the week.

Despite the repair of the expansion joints, Ricardo said the lane will still be open to motorists.

"Mulikay lang ang mga motorists sa areas nga naay nag-repair sa duha ka expansion joints," Ricardo said.

Ricardo said PLD Construction only uses one cold milling machine because the other one is being used in another project.

Scraping of dilapidated asphalt will push through on Wednesday night.

To avoid accidents, bicycles and motorcycles won't be allowed to pass through Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge when the scraping starts.  (FREEMAN)