Christmas came early for the Cagayan Valley people with the timely completion of a temporary steel bridge to open Siffu Bridge along Santiago-Tuguegarao Road in Roxas, Isabela which was closed to vehicular traffic since October 30, 2018 due to Typhoon Rosita.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region II Director Melanio C. Briosos announced the re-opening of Siffu Bridge starting Tuesday, December 4, 2018.
“Expected completion of works on Siffu Bridge is on the 20th of December but by working 24/7 through concerted efforts coming from the contractor and field personnel, our team was able to finish the temporary steel bridge structure more than two (2) weeks ahead of schedule,” said Director Briosos.
The temporary restoration of the 90-linear meter Siffu Bridge was implemented in less than a month starting November 8, 2018 in the amount of P7.5 million.
“This will provide ease to motorists traversing Santiago-Tuguegarao Road which was reconnected by the temporary bridge,” added Director Briosos.
Director Briosos however said that the steel bridge will only be passable to light vehicles with maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 10 tons such vans, jeeps, cars, buses and 2-axle dump trucks and light trucks.
DPWH will need an allocation of P620 million for the full restoration of Siffu Bridge.
While awaiting the construction of the new permanent bridge, the DPWH will coordinate with the local police, town officials and form a District Engineering Office Field Monitoring Team for the strict implementation of weight restriction to ensure safety and stability of the temporary steel bridge structure.