DOTr sets up repair of damaged PNR bridge in Albay

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday said it has ordered an immediate assessment of a Philippine National Railways (PNR) bridge in Albay damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the fast-tracking of its repair.

According to the DOTr, the bridge connecting San Rafael and Maipon in Guinobatan, Albay sustained structural damage during the typhoon’s onslaught on November 9.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said PNR engineers are on standby and ready to carry out the inspection once weather and safety conditions permit.

As a result of the damage, PNR operations for the Naga–Legazpi route have been temporarily suspended, affecting around 400 passengers daily.

To assist commuters, the DOTr will direct the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to deploy additional public utility vehicles (PUVs) in the area, Lopez said.

The PNR is also set to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the entire Bicol commuter train route to ensure that no other rail structures were compromised.

Both the DOTr and PNR said they will provide updates once the full assessment and repair plan are completed.—MCG, GMA Integrated News