THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) soft opened the new Caduang Tete Bridge in Macabebe town last Thursday, January 31.
This came as the Pampanga First District Engineering Office completed the concrete pavement of the bridge and is now passable to motorists and commuters after almost nine months of being closed to the public.
In a statement, the DPWH said that regional director Roseller Tolentino has been on the lookout on the bridge since the project became the subject of criticisms from the residents due to delay.
"The Caduang Tete Bridge, which links several communities in Macabebe and Masantol to the McArthur Highway in Apalit town, was closed on May 2018 to give way for the major construction of a new bridge," the DPWH said in a statement.
DPWH First District Engineering Office head Engr. Almer Miranda earlier assured the public to make the bridge accessible at the end of January, the statement added.
"Our commitment is to make the bridge passable for motorists so the contractor is doing preparations for the paving of both approaches. In addition, some other works will still have to be done until February," he said.
Miranda also extended his gratitude to the residents of Macabebe and Masantol towns who were affected by the bridge closure for their continued patience amid the delayed completion of the project.
Meanwhile, Macabebe Municipal Administrator Jomel Cruz expressed gladness that they will not be forced to take the alternate route through the Apalit setback levee anymore just to access the town proper.
"We, at the local government unit are hopeful that the project will be 100 percent completed by the end of February," Cruz cited.
The last part of the construction is the installation of the railings for the walk way of the bridge.
