PH First Earthquake-Resistant Bridge to Finish Construction in 2020
In light of the Anao-aon Bridge collapse following the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Surigao Del Norte last 2017, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now building an earthquake-resistant replacement for it, which is the very first in the country.
Also read: Panguil Bay Bridge Starts Construction, Soon to Be Longest Bridge
According to the DPWH-Region XIII, the new Anao-aon Bridge is already 85.51% complete following the start of its construction in April 2018.
The bridge features an advance and modern design, with its primary materials made from corrugated steel plates giving way to its earthquake-resistant nature.
The new Anao-aon Bridge particularly boasts of an arch bridge design, which employs the design of a rounded structure that evenly distributes the weight in all its parts.
Also read: Bulacan International Airport to Start Construction in December
This is in great contrast to the economical common-designed bridges here in the country, wherein the structural weight is placed downward into the underneath support, rendering their middle portion a weak spot.
As of August this year, its construction costs Php 179,919,988.36 million, with an estimated budget of more than Php 75 million for the bridge’s total completion next year.
Also read: C.P. Garcia Bridge and C-5 Flyover Repairs to Finish in 2020
Anao-aon Bridge connects Surigao City to the towns of San Francisco and Malimono, so when the earthquake led to the collapse of the two spans of the 165 linear meter bridge, it has been a daily challenge for commuters to go back and forth through the temporary one-lane bailey bridge.
With the current reconstruction of the bridge, commuters are now looking forward to traveling without being stuck in congested traffic.
Source: Department of Public Works and Highways – Caraga
Images grabbed from DPWH
