Motorists and residents of Barugo and Babatngon towns will no longer use a footbridge in transporting their products as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is about to complete the Minuhang Bridge in Leyte within the first semester of the year.
According to DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar, DPWH Regional Office 8 is fast tracking the construction of the 154-meter Minuhang Bridge along Carigara- Barugo- Sta.Cruz- Babatngon- Bagahupi national road.
“Upon completion, the P150-million bridge project will allow all types of vehicles to pass through, therefore improving mobility of people, goods, and services within the Barugo Economic Zone,” said Secretary Villar.
The existing footbridge, which is passable only to ‘habal-habal’ or motorcycles, becomes submerged in water when high tide occurs, forcing students to skip classes.
Travel time from the municipalities of Carigara to Babatngon in Leyte will be shorter as the concrete bridge can also serve as an alternate route for motorists travelling along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road.
“We are expecting to improve not only trade and investment in the connecting towns but also provide better access to employment and education in the area,” added Secretary Villar.