DPWH rushes work on Tullahan Bridge for Monday opening

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Saturday rushed work on the Tullahan Bridge in northern Metro Manila in a effort to meet the scheduled reopening of the structure on Monday. But QTV reported that the DPWH hinted at possible delays as some of the materials brought in from Angat, Bulacan were still wet. “Sana gumanda ang panahon para dirediretso ang trabaho namin at ang source ng kinukuha naming materyales basa (We hope the weather will be good so our work won’t be interrupted. But the materials we got from Bulacan are wet)," said DPWH engineer Jun dela Cruz DPWH engineers said they still plan to open the bridge to vehicles by Monday, though they plan to hold a dry run first. The DPWH has been at the receiving end of criticisms for its repeated delays in repairing the Tullahan Bridge, which links Valenzuela and Malabon cities in northern Metro Manila. Last Friday, the DPWH said the opening of the Tullahan Bridge, might be delayed while they run “safety tests." Radio dzEC reported that DPWH Metro Manila Assistant Director Angelito Twaño said they moved the opening date from October 15 back to end of October so they could run “safety tests." Only last Thursday, Twaño said the department was preparing for the inauguration of the 73-year old bridge this coming Monday. According to him, the construction of the bridge proper was finished September 29, but another 15 days were needed to work on the approaches. The DPWH had drawn flak for repeatedly delaying the reopening of the bridge, and for repeatedly changing its timetable. - GMANews.TV