The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has restored connectivity to coastal villages of Lanao del Norte as it opens today (January 27, 2014) the constructed Larapan temporary steel bridge, two (2) weeks after it was damaged by flashfloods caused by a low pressure area.
In her report to DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, DPWH Northern Mindanao Regional Director Evelyn Barroso said that the Larapan detour bridge along Linamon-Zamboanga Road in Barangay Napo, Lanao Del Norte was opened this morning to vehicles not exceeding 20 tons.
Uniformed men from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and DPWH personnel are guarding the newly constructed bridge to in ensure that only vehicles with allowable weight can pass the bridge, added Barroso.
The Larapan Bridge which connects the municipalities of Kauswagan and Linamon collapsed on January 13, 2014 at the height of the heavy rains spawned by the LPA that eventually develop into tropical depression “Agaton”.
The incessant rains have hampered the immediate construction of the temporary steel bridge across Larapan River with the contractor only able to start erecting some 50-meters bailey bridge panels only last week.
About P187Million will be needed to replace the damages to the 72 lineal meter Larapan bridge.
The DPWH Region 10 will conduct further survey studies to come up with a bridge structure capable of withstanding sudden rise of river water level caused by heavy rains.