Obsolete bridges need immediate replacement-DPWH

ORANI, Bataan – A top official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) revealed yesterday that obsolete bridges along the Roman highway should be replaced immediately for the safety of the motorists.

Engineer Magrara “Rocky” Dimalawang of the DPWH 1st engineering district, said that aside from being dilapidated, the bridges’ specifications are also thin, only 23 centimeters thick when it should be 30 centimeters to make it safer for the heavily-loaded vehicles passing through it.

“The standard size of bridges today should be 28 to 30 centimeters and no longer 23 cm as what was utilized before; Roman highway is a strategic national road where big volumes of heavy vehicles pass through daily,” pointed out Engr. Dimalawang.

Noting its necessity being the main route going to and from Bataan, Metro Manila and other parts of Central Luzon, provincial officials led by Gov. Abet S. Garcia had passed an ordinance creating the Metro Bataan Development Authority (MBDA) to ensure the safety of motorists and smooth passage for investors going to Bataan Freeport and others parts of Bataan. MBDA is headed by its general manager Charlie Pizarro who had initiated various efforts aimed at protecting motorists and ridding it with squatters and other forms of obstructions along the highway.

Gov. Garcia directed Pizarro to also put up CCTVs along the highway and set up PNP check points along strategic areas to secure motorists and traders as well.

“The immediate replacement of these dilapidated roads along Roman highway should be given attention by the national government to prevent accidents,” warned Dimalawang.