Misamis Occidental gov pushes probe into Panguil Bay Bridge damage
The newly built Panguil Bay Bridge linking the provinces of Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte. (Photo courtesy of DPWH)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal Sr. has called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to investigate the contractors behind the P7.3 billion Panguil Bay Bridge after its asphalt road sustained damage merely two months after opening.
In a statement Thursday, Oaminal said a technical team from the province discovered that the construction failed to follow the original project specifications, notably omitting an SS-1 tack coat meant to bind layers of asphalt.
He urged DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to look into the lapses, holding the joint venture firm accountable for the irregularities.
Oaminal noted that the Misamis Occidental side of the bridge in Tangub City is monitored 24/7 via a weighbridge, ensuring compliance with the 30-ton vehicle weight limit.
“It is impossible for a vehicle weighing more than 30 tons to pass over the bridge, as any such vehicle would also have caused damage to the national highway,” he said.
Article continues after this advertisementThe 3.77-km bridge, which links the provinces of Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte, opened on Sept. 27.
Article continues after this advertisementBy late November, photos and videos of asphalt damage circulated online, prompting DPWH repairs in early December.
To prevent further damage, DPWH-Lanao del Norte District Engineer Ali Khan Ali said the portable weighbridge on their side of the bridge would operate 24/7 to limit vehicle loads. (PNA)
