By Nimfa Estrellado Following Typhoon Kristine, Lagnas Bridge in Sariaya, Quezon, has been restricted to light vehicles only. (Photo from De...
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| Following Typhoon Kristine, Lagnas Bridge in Sariaya, Quezon, has been restricted to light vehicles only. (Photo from Destinations PH) |
SARIAYA, Quezon - Lagnas Bridge 1 in Barangay Sampaloc, Sariaya, the main Maharlika Highway route from Metro Manila to southern Quezon and the Bicol region. is now only passable for light vehicles. This restriction follows an assessment by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which identified weaknesses in the bridge's foundation caused by recent flooding.
To clarify the new traffic regulations, Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan specified that trucks and buses are classified as heavy vehicles and are prohibited from crossing making longer travel times. This will result in increased travel times of approximately 20 to 30 minutes for those vehicles. Lighter vehicles, including tricycles, jeeps, motorcycles, cars, vans, and bicycles, are permitted.
While the DPWH supports allowing lighter vehicles to pass, they encourage the local government to advise citizens to utilize alternate routes whenever possible. Travelers can opt to take the Quezon Eco-Tourism road, San Juan- Candelaria JCT Candelaria - Bolboc Road, Candelaria By-pass road
Local businesses reliant on heavy cargo transport are already feeling the strain, as the detour adds considerable time and cost to their operations. All trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to use the Eco Tourism Road and exit via San Juan-Candelaria Road in Candelaria.
Governor Tan acted swiftly, convening a meeting on November 18 at the Old Capitol Building in Lucena City to address the crisis. The meeting brought together local officials from various municipalities, including representatives from DPWH-DEII, MENRO, DRRMO, BFP, LTO, and Quezon Province Police. Their urgent task: to discuss the bridge's rehabilitation and address concerns arising from its partial closure.
While the Sariaya LGU initially requested a complete closure of the bridge, District Engineer Del Rosario Naca clarified that the DPWH Regional Office has yet to approve this request.
Rehabilitation Plan
To ensure the safety of motorists, the DPWH outlined a rehabilitation plan that includes micropiling to reinforce the bridge's foundation. During the rehabilitation period, the bridge will operate at a limited capacity, with heavier vehicles needing to utilize the designated alternate routes.
Governor Tan strongly emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration and coordination, stating, "Working together is crucial to meet the needs of our countrymen and ensure that our response efforts to disasters are swift and organized."
Mayors from neighboring towns voiced concerns about the closure's potential impact, highlighted the need for immediate improvements to alternative routes to ensure accessibility and safety for residents and tourists alike.
Sariaya Mayor Marcelo Gayeta proposed increasing police presence around Lagnas Bridge to maintain security during the rehabilitation process. Quezon Province Police Provincial Director PCOL Ruben B Lacuesta promptly assured full cooperation and police visibility throughout the project.
Governor Tan urged local governments and agencies to adopt a proactive approach to infrastructure development, particularly in disaster preparedness. "We must focus not only on the current condition of the bridge but also on planning access roads that will expedite our emergency response," she emphasized.
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