‘P87.2M Nambaran and Lacnog Bridges in Kalinga Set for Inauguration Next Week’ — DPWH-LKDEO District Engineer Uyam

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Two newly constructed bridges along key roads in Kalinga province are set to be inaugurated next week, according to District Engineer Ruby A. Uyam of the Department of Public Works and Highways–Lower Kalinga District Engineering Office (DPWH-LKDEO).

Uyam shared the update in an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on Tuesday, May 4, confirming the completion of the infrastructure projects aimed at improving mobility and ensuring safer, more reliable road networks in the province.

Among the projects scheduled for inauguration on Monday, May 11, is the 70-meter prestressed Lacnog Bridge along the Nambaran–Isabela Road, with a project cost of P47,810,830.71. Also set to be opened is the 40-meter reinforced concrete deck girder Nambaran Bridge along MSA Boulevard, costing P39,449,861.27.

Both projects were funded by the national government through the DPWH and are designed with a typical lifespan of 50 years.

According to Uyam, both bridges were built to accommodate standard vehicular loads. The Lacnog Bridge has a capacity of up to 28 tonnes, while the Nambaran Bridge can carry up to 18 tonnes—making them suitable for trucks, agricultural transport, and emergency vehicles.

“This will significantly improve connectivity by providing safe, all-weather access for local farmers to transport produce to markets, reducing travel time. It also ensures faster response of emergency services, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and disaster response teams,” Uyam said, emphasizing the benefits of the bridges to the public.

Maintenance Schedule and Responsibility

To ensure the bridges reach their intended lifespan, Uyam said they will undergo regular maintenance under the supervision of the DPWH-LKDEO.

This includes monthly visual inspections and cleaning, quarterly minor repairs and clearing of debris, and annual detailed structural inspections. Additional maintenance work, such as repainting, joint repairs, and resurfacing, may be carried out between the third and fifth years as needed.

“To achieve its designed lifespan (typically 50 years), the bridge will follow a routine maintenance program: monthly visual inspection and cleaning of drainage and deck; quarterly checks for minor repairs, vegetation control, and debris clearing; and annual detailed structural inspections and preventive maintenance. In its 3rd to 5th years, maintenance works like repainting, joint repairs, and bridge resurfacing may be conducted if needed. This is a maintenance process where the worn top layer of a bridge’s driving surface is removed and replaced with new material. Responsibility for maintenance will be under the DPWH District Engineering Office for routine upkeep and monitoring,” she added.

Uyam also reminded motorists to strictly follow load limits and traffic regulations to help preserve the structures.

She encouraged the public to take part in maintaining the infrastructure by keeping the bridges clean and reporting any damage.

“We advise all motorists to observe the prescribed load limits (in tonnes), follow traffic signs, and avoid overloading to ensure the long-term safety of the bridge. The public is encouraged to help maintain cleanliness, report any damage, and use the bridge responsibly.

This infrastructure is a shared asset. Proper use and care will ensure it benefits generations to come. These bridge projects symbolize the government’s commitment to improving rural accessibility, supporting farmers, and enhancing public safety,” she said.