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 2, 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.
Alternative routes are available: the Candelaria By-pass road and the Quezon Eco-tourism road. These detours add considerable time and cost to operations, particularly for local businesses reliant on heavy cargo transport. Travelers can expect increased travel times of approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan was not initially informed of the closure and emphasized the need for clear communication during emergencies. "Roads and bridges should not be completely closed," she stated, "as this can hinder rescue operations."
In a consultative meeting on November 18 with local officials and agencies, Governor Tan highlighted the critical importance of coordination, cooperation, and collaboration among all stakeholders, especially during infrastructure crises and disaster response.
Trucks and heavy vehicles should use the Eco Tourism Road and exit via San Juan-Candelaria Road. Lighter vehicles, including tricycles, jeeps, motorcycles, cars, vans, and bicycles, are permitted to cross the bridge.
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.
Rehabilitation Plan
To ensure the safety of motorists, the DPWH outlined a rehabilitation plan that focuses on reinforcing the bridge's foundation. This will involve a technique called micropiling, where small-diameter, high-strength steel casings are drilled deep into the ground to provide additional support. These micropiles are then filled with grout, a special type of concrete, to create a strong and stable foundation.
This method is particularly suitable for Lagnas Bridge due to its ability to be implemented in areas with limited access and with minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. The micropiling process is expected to take approximately four months to complete. During this 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."
Impact on Local Communities
Mayors from neighboring towns voiced concerns about the closure's potential impact. Mayor Orly Calayag of Dolores worried about the effect on local tourism, while Mayor Ogie Suayan of Candelaria and Admin Jun Alcala, representing Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala, highlighted the need for immediate improvements to alternative routes to ensure accessibility and safety for residents and tourists alike.
Mayor Marcelo Gayeta of Sariaya 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," she emphasized, "but also on planning access roads that will expedite our emergency response."
The meeting concluded with Governor Tan expressing her gratitude for the participants' commitment. She issued a strong call to action, urging continued collaboration across all sectors to address the province's needs, particularly during critical infrastructure projects and rehabilitation efforts.
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