Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar on Monday, November 26, 2018 led the inauguration in La Union of a bridge complemented by an alternate road leading to Benguet’s Asin Hot Spring and Baguio City.
The marker of the the 360 lineal meters Anduyan Bridge along Anduyan-Rizal-San Pascual-Nangalesan-Asin Road was unveiled near approach “B” after which Secretary Villar with DPWH Region 1 Director Ronnel M. Tan, Department of Tourism Region 1 Director Martin Valera motored for the ceremonial drive thru at the two (2) lanes bridge made of 12 spans at 30 meters pre-stressed concrete girder.
The ceremonial inauguration was also attended by La Union Provincial Engineer Elizabeth Sias representing Governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” Ortega III, Mr. Herbert Esponilla representing Congresswoman Sandra Eriguel of the Second District of La Union, and Tubao Mayor Dante Garcia, barangay local leaders, among others.
Complementing Anduyan Bridge is the 14.24-kilometers construction and improvement of Aringay-Tubao Alternate Road.
With a total project cost of P493.9 Million, the Aringay-Tubao Alternate Road and Anduyan Bridge significantly reduce travel time from 2 hours to only 35 minutes from Tubao, La Union to Asin Hot Spring in Barangay Nangalisan, Tuba, Benguet where one can experience the relaxing and soothing effects of sulfuric water. Also, the travel time of 2 hours and 25 minutes from Tubao, La Union to Baguio City will be cut to just one hour.
In his briefing, Director Tan said that the bridge project also includes the approach roads “A” and “B” with 6.1 meters width portland concrete cement pavement carriageway and shoulder measuring 150 and 550 meters, respectively.
The new bridge with sidewalks on each side and reinforced concrete railings practically abandoned the use of bamboo raft for people of Barangay Rizal and Alog East in Tubao, La Unionto to cross Aringay River. It is made of two (2) abutments and a total of 11 piers all resting on bored piles 1,600 to 1,800 millimeters in diameters to ensure stability.
Road safety devices were also incorporated in the project consisting of warning and regulatory signages, reflective thermoplastic pavement markings, solar powered street lights and stone masonry slope protection that will ensure safe travel of motorists and commuters.
Other than offering scenic mountain view, Aringay-Tubao Alternate Road and Anduyan Bridge will be a new route to Baguio City and will lessen congestion of traffic along Agoo-Baguio City Road or Marcos Highway and Bauang-Baguio Road or Naguilian Road.