DPWH to Open Bohol’s New Iconic Bridge to 2-Way Traffic this June
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is looking to finish the paving of access ramps for a new bridge in Loay, Bohol by June 7, 2022.
In his report to Secretary Roger G. Mercado, Undersecretary and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain said that the construction of approach road for the new Clarin Bridge has reached the final stage with on-going laying of bituminous asphalt concrete finish after undergoing full compaction of base materials.
Undersecretary Sadain, in-charge of Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations was on the construction site of new Clarin Bridge along Tagbilaran East Road on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 and reported that everything was going well with the asphalt paving of approaches and installation of concrete guardrail posts and lighting works comprising the remaining unfinished work before opening to two (2) way traffic.
Also present during the conduct of project assessment are UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, Project Manager Franscisco M. Sawali, Region 7 Maintenance Chief Faustino A. Dela Cruz, Bohol 3rd District Engineer Magiting A. Cruz, Asst. District Engineer Generoso Y. Sison, and Project Engineer Bernardo A. Austria.
The new bridge in Barangay Poblacion Ubos, Loay crossing Loboc River is designed as a Nielsen Arch bridge spanning 104 meters with an approach roads at abutment “A” of 208 meters and at abutment “B” of 217 meters.
In response to the unfortunate collapse of the parallel old Clarin Bridge on April 27, 2022, DPWH UPMO with the assistance of DPWH Regional Office 7 and the District Engineering Offices in Bohol has worked vigorously to immediately open the new Clarin Bridge into a one (1)-lane traffic scheme to light vehicles with assigned flagmen and traffic aides in coordination with the local police and barangay.
The old bridge was built in the 1970s and was among the infrastructure affected by the 7.2-magnitude quake that jolted Bohol in 2013.
The Clarin Bridge Replacement Project costing ₱462 Million is part of the Bohol Circumferential Road Contract Package 3 under the DPWH Road Upgrading and Preservation Projects (RUPP) funded through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Loan Agreement No. PH-P247.
As of first week of May 2022, the new Clarin Bridge was made passable in a one (1)-lane traffic for light vehicles including motorcycles, cars, vans, and utility vehicles.
While remaining civil works are being undertaken, passing motorists are advised to drive slowly and to follow all construction safety signs and barriers.
The embankment materials for the new Clarin Bridge have to be well-compacted to ensure quality and for the safety of the motorists.
“All equipment and personnel are in full-force working double time to open the bridge into two (2) way traffic the soonest possible time,” added Undersecretary Sadain.
With a relatively favorable weather condition, all minor corrections and compaction of base course before the final asphalt overlay of approach road is targetted for completion by DPWH within 12 days or by June 7.
Aside from providing safe, economical and reliable mobility of people, goods and services, the new Clarin Bridge will further boost the tourism industry of the island province of Bohol in Central Visayas.
Bohol’s Loboc River is a major tourism destination and also offers alternate route to the province Billar manmade forest as well as conservation areas for tarsiers and butterflies.
Prior to COVID-19 pandemic, the pristine beaches of the province is among the most visited destinations by domestic and international tourists.