Ilocos folk grateful for bridge work

Ilocanos lauded President Arroyo’s swift action to rehabilitate the damaged portion of the historic 300-meter Quirino Bridge in Ilocos Sur which was opened to vehicular traffic last Aug. 18.

The bridge, which collapsed due to typhoon "Feria," was opened to traffic a week ahead of the target date of Aug. 25. Repair work took only 22 days.

Residents expressed their appreciation for the vital artery’s reopening during simple rites graced by Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano, Vice Gov. Jeremias Singson, and Cabel Nurhasan, deputy executive director of the Special Program Management Office of the President’s Bridge Program.

The Quirino Bridge is the main link of the first district of Ilocos Sur to Vigan City and Ilocos Norte.

The bridge’s middle portion, measuring about 73.4 lineal meters, was washed out at the height of typhoon "Feria," isolating the province from the Manila North Road and causing undue inconvenience to residents and motorists.