TACLOBAN CITY, (PNA) — The P18 million Balagnon Bridge in the Burauen-Albuera road project is nearing completion, says a report by the 2nd Leyte Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
A recent inspection made by 2nd LED District Engr. Carlos Veloso revealed the bridge to be 95 percent complete.
The Balagnon Bridge, which runs the length of 40 meters, is one of the three bridges in the Burauen side of the road project.
The other two are the Matagara Bridge, which is now passable through a spillway, and the Libas Bridge which will cost around P21.2 million and will be started once the Balagnon Bridge is fully completed.
Engr. Veloso earlier disclosed that he intends to finish the Burauen section of the Burauen-Albuera road, possibly before the year ends.
“This is an important project since it would cut travel time as well as open up new possibilities for barangays along these areas in Burauen,” Veloso said.
However, according to the DPWH regional office-8, the Burauen-Albuera link may be fully realized in 2016 for as long as the central government will pour out an average of P300 million every year.
This road project, once completed, will shorten travel time from Tacloban City to Ormoc City, develop upland villages, and improve the peace and order situation of rebel-infested areas.
Motorists coming from the regional capital have to pass through eight towns to get to Ormoc City with a distance of 107 kilometers. In the new road, travelers will reach Ormoc from Tacloban by passing through five towns with a combined road length of 89 kilometers.
The project will also be a shorter route from Tacloban City to Baybay City, with a difference of 30 kilometers from the existing national road.
The allotment for Burauen-Albuera Road is part of the P5.08 billion infrastructure development program for the Eastern Visayas region.