Work at Tullahan stops as DPWH equipment break down

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways on Wednesday said that it had stopped the on-going repair of the controversial Tullahan Bridge project due to the breakdown of several pieces of equipment. This was revealed by DPWH regional director Robert Lala who said the vibratory road roller and road grader being used in the repairs failed to function. However, he assured the public that bridge repair will resume as soon as the contractor, Ferdstar Builders, undertake immediate repair and replacement of the machines. Lala said two of the middle lanes that are being prepared for concreting have been opened to traffic so that the repair delay will not cause so much disruption to the public. Project Engineer Eduardo Santos, on the other hand, said they have coordinated with the Valenzuela Traffic Management center to assist motorists passing through the Mc Arthur Highway . It can be recalled that the reconstruction of the Tullahan Bridge has been plagued by criticisms from legislators and local government units for suffering delays since it began in April last year, and again when it reopened to motorists on October 2007. However, months after the project was completed, alligator cracks were found on the bridge’s approaches which later deteriorated and caused further problems for motorists using the bridge. - GMANews.TV