Kalibo-Numancia Bridge II under construction

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The Phase II construction for the new multi-million Kalibo-Numancia bridge has started this month, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The P370 million concrete bridge spanning 450 meters connects the capital town of Kalibo to the rest of municipalities in the western side of Aklan.

The proposed bridge is located paralled to the old Kalibo-Numancia bridge over the Aklan River that is seen to ease traffic congestion of vehicles coming from Caticlan and the town proper of Kalibo. 

Phase II has a budget for calendar year 2014 of P270 million for the completion of bridge and approaches and the strengthening of existing / old Kalibo-Numancia bridge.

The project also involves the construction of two lanes 15-span 7.32 meters wide of pre-stressed concrete girder including concrete sidewalk, streetlights, deck surfacing concrete, baluster type concrete railings and other miscellaneous structures.

Last year, project contractor A.M. Oreta and Company, Inc. started the Phase I partial construction of substructure for two abutment and eight piers in the amount of P100 million. The Phase I project will be completed on March 14, 2014. 

Two months ago, DPWH regional director Edilberto Tayao led the groundbreaking rites with Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores, Vice Governor Gabrielle Quimpo and Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco, Jr. 

The provincial government officials are optimistic that the completion of the new Kalibo-Numancia bridge will not only decongest vehicular traffic but will provide immediate link to the province’s commercial and tourism zones. 

The national government-funded project is expected to be completed by next year.