Kalibo Bridge II on target for completion in early 2015

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The construction work of the new Kalibo-Numancia bridge is progressing. The bridge project under the supervision of Department of Public Works and Highways regional office targets for completion on March 2015 / PHOTOS AKLAN FORUM

The new Kalibo-Numancia bridge is targeted for completion by March 2015. The two-lane, 450 lineal-meter bridge is one of the priority projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

 

The project, under the supervision of DPWH regional office, spanning the Aklan River and adjacent of the old Kalibo-Numancia Aklan, has a budget of P370 million. 

The new bridge along Aklan East Road is constructed with a higher elevation compared to existing Kalibo-Numancia bridge to reduce potential damage in future floods. 

The construction of the bridge undergo two phases: bored piles for two abutment, eight piers, circular type columns and completion of bridge and approaches and strengthening of existing bridge and street lighting including road right of way.

 

The Kalibo Bridge II has 15 spans with a length of 30 with pre-stressed concrete girder on bored piles and baluster type railings.  

The Phase 1 under A.M. Oreta and Co. Inc. was scheduled for completion last March 2014, while Phase 2 contracted to International Builders Corporation is slated to be finished in March next year. 

Once the bridge is finished, travel along the Kalibo-Caticlan road will be faster and smoother and will reduce traffic congestion in the area. 

Last June, 27 families affected by the construction of Kalibo-Numancia bridge received P10,000 financial assistance and 10 pieces of G.I. sheets from Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores and Aklan Rep. Teodoro Haresco, Jr. in coordination with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development. 

In addition, the Kalibo circumferential road from Tigayon (Kalibo) junction to Mina, Lezo via a 715-meter bridge to Calangcang, Makato and the new Makato By-pass road would reduce the travel time around 30 minutes going to Caticlan from Kalibo vice versa. 

DPWH had already bid out the road projects under the agency’s infrastructure program for 2014.