The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) has completed the P67 million project designed to protect the foundation of Agas-Agas viaduct, the country’s tallest bridge.
The second and third phase of the project, which costs P47 million and P11 million, respectively is now complete while the first phase (P9 million) was completed January last year.
The project includes the installation of gabions and stone masonry near the bridge foundation, which will serve as scour protection during rainy days.
Funded through a loan under the Japan International Cooperation Agency–Official Development Assistance, the 350-meter long bridge, costing P1.024 billion, was seen as a permanent solution to landslide and rockslides in the area, resulting to stranding of vehicles.
The structure is a mix of steel and concrete materials supported by two long piers from the ground. The bridge area has a view deck, rest area, bituminous concrete surface course and bridge electrical provision.
For 2015, SLDEO was able to secure P4 million special funds for maintenance works of the tallest bridge, compared to the P350,000 maintenance budget received in the past.