Steel bridge assembly starts today

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways-7 is set to start today assembling a two-lane steel bridge that would make Dumlog Bridge in Sibonga town temporarily usable following the collapse of its approach at the height of typhoon Seniang last December.

This, as it assured the public that it would expedite the installation of the steel bridge make Dumlog Bridge passable again by January 17, or a day before the Sinulog grand parade.

The steel beams, called as transoms, are expected to arrive this morning from Cagayan De Oro City, and DPWH-7 would start immediately as soon as they are already at the site.

DPWH-7 Director Ador Canlas said the trailer with the transoms already boarded a Trans Asia ship that left for Cebu last night.

The steel bridge, which would take the place of the collapsed approach to the Dumlog Bridge, has a 20-ton capacity, which is the same as that of the original bridge.

Elvis Calunod, DPWH–7 maintenance division chief, said in a separate interview that they would work 24 hours a day to complete the installation.

With Dumlog Bridge rendered unusable, buses and trucks are using a diversion route in Lindogon, Sibonga in going to and from southern Cebu.

The steel bridge’s components were supposed to be delivered yesterday but a shipping company refused to load them for fear of “overloading.”

Calunod lamented that the said shipping company did not give priority to the trailer carrying the components even when its cargo is already badly needed.

Canlas said they would tackle that actuation of the shipping company after the steel bridge is completed.  (FREEMAN)