TARLAC CITY (PIA) -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) completed a P237.97 million bridge project in Paniqui, Tarlac.
 
The multi-year undertaking, which started in 2020, consists of replacement of the existing two-lane Cojuangco Bridge and construction of a 186-lineal meter, two-lane parallel bridge along Paniqui-Camiling-Wawa Road.
 
DPWH Regional Director Roseller Tolentino said the motoring public will now enjoy the benefits of having a seamless transportation network connecting the towns of Ramos, Paniqui, and Camiling.
 
“Travel time between the municipalities connected by this bridge will be reduced and a significant improvement of traffic flow in the area is also expected.  Motorists heading to Ramos can now use the newly constructed parallel bridge, while those heading to Camiling and San Clemente can take the existing Cojuangco Bridge,” Tolentino furthered.
 
For his part, DPWH Assistant Regional Director Denise Maria Ayag said the agency has made it a priority to widen the existing permanent bridges along the country’s major thoroughfares to provide both motorists and commuters a safe and reliable national road system.
 
“There are concerns over the current structural capacity of bridges that do not meet existing standards in terms of safety, load capacity, and serviceability, prompting the DPWH to implement measures that will strengthen these public structures, ensuring the unimpeded movement of goods, people, and government services,” he emphasized.
 
The project also includes the construction of concrete slope protection on both abutments of the parallel bridge, and installation of road safety features such as thermoplastic pavement markings, curbs and gutters, and railings. (CLJD-PIA 3)