Department Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Singson directed DPWH Region 8 to protect the structural stability of Agas-Agas Bridge, the highest bridge in the Philippines situated along the Daang Maharlika in Sogod, Southern Leyte.
Singson said that in view of the observed occurrence of landslides and scouring at bridge piers 1 and 2 following recent experienced of heavy rains in the area, this could seriously damage the foundation of the superstructure if neglected.
DPWH Region 8 Director Rolando M. Asis reported that they have already taken measures to facilitate the appropriate restoration and rehabilitation methods.
Program of work and plan to protect the bridge from imminent damage are being readied for submission to the DPWH Central Office, added Asis.
In an inspection on August 2014 by a team of engineers led by Southern Leyte District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia, it was found that the 84 meter high and 350 meter long concrete bridge is exposed to damage risks since the ground where both the two piers of the bridge (Bridge Pier I and Bridge Pier II) are rooted has scoured – in addition that the access road to underneath the bridge had collapsed.
The landslide and scouring that occurred are only about 10 meters apart from both bridge piers.
Previous preventive measures applied such as drainage canals and gabion flood controls were all washed out.
The bridge structure inaugurated in 2009 is a vital link in the Eastern Visayas road network and was built with tourism amenities for extreme sports like bungee jumping.