New bridge facilitates safer passage along Malogo River in Negros Occidental

Residents of barangays Canlusong and San Isidro in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental can now safely cross along Malogo Bridge with the construction of Sitio Calaptan Bridge delivered by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Implemented by DPWH, Negros Occidental 1^st District Engineering, this bridge offers a huge improvement compared to the old overflow bridge that used to connect the two communities.

In a report submitted by OIC-District Engineer Dene B. Baldonado, Jr., Regional Director (RD) Nerie D. Bueno said the new bridge provides uninterrupted transportation access and easier delivery of goods and services.

“This new bridge allows motorists and the riding public to reach Brgy. Canlusong, passing through Brgy. San Isidro, leading to various communities in the uplands of E.B. Magalona. Hence, traveling from far-flung areas to the town proper is now easier and more comfortable,” RD Nerie D. Bueno said.

“Transport of agricultural products from farms to the market will be more convenient and cost-effective, compared to manually carrying the products across the bridge when the water rises along the previous overflow bridge, which made it impossible for vehicles to pass,” RD Bueno added.

RD Bueno also emphasized that the new bridge facilitates faster and more timely delivery of government services even to the remote areas in the highlands.

“Basic social, health and wellness, academic, and other government services can easily reach even to the people in the mountainous areas, making the government closer to the people,” RD Bueno said.

Meantime, OIC-DE Dene B. Baldonado, Jr., said the old Malogo overflow bridge was already dilapidated, wherein one of its sides has already collapsed, causing traffic problems when heavy rain occurs, and posing tremendous danger, especially for heavily loaded trucks.

“Although Malogo River is mostly calm, it still poses a hazard, especially during the rainy season when, at certain times, the river may suddenly shift from low discharge to raging currents, hence building this bridge brings greater comfort and lesser distress among our motorists and the general public,” OIC-DE Baldonado said.

“This new bridge will likewise provide more economic opportunities as trucks loaded with crops and agricultural products can continuously travel from farms to the market,” Baldonado added.

The ₱24.7-million project involves the construction of a 2-lane, 30-span Reinforced Concrete Deck Girder (RCDG) bridge with grouted riprap, gabions, and metallic coating.

It also includes the construction of an 810-square meter unreinforced Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP), and a 24-square meter reinforced PCCP. This road paving from both approaches provides better access for all types of vehicles, and ensures protection from erosion that may be caused by turbulent water flow. (DPWH-6)