Cable bridge eyed along Halsema Highway in Benguet

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Following the roadcut on the Baguio - Bontoc Road along Pilando, Gambang, Bakun, Rep. Eric Yap (Benguet) is seeking funding of a bridge that would help ease travel to motorists traversing the area. 

The portion of the highway was closed on Friday after the pavement was washed out due to heavy rains, causing significant disruptions, highlighting the importance of a new bridge that could provide reliable access between Benguet and Mountain Province. 

“Kahapon, nangyari na ang kinakatakutan natin lahat, the Pilando Section was totally wiped out. This has been a problem for a long time, and earlier this year, pinuntahan natin to personally check the situation and come up with a solution: to start the construction of a megastructure, the Pilando Cable-Stayed Bridge,” Yap said.

The lawmaker said that while the funding for the proposed cable bridge, worth P2.2 billion based on the initial costing of the Department of Public Works and Highways, is not yet appropriated, his office and other government agencies are currently looking for a short-term solution to help ease travel for vegetable traders and commuters.

Among the proposed solutions include the opening of an access road just above the washed out portion and construction of a bailey bridge that will connect the eroded part of the highway.

“We will start looking for funds for its road opening and improvement and we will use this road for the next few years. Yes, merong ibang alternate route, pero mas matagal ang byahe at dagdag gastos sa mga byahero, tataas ang cost ng lahat lalo sa pag-transport ng mga gulay natin. That's why this alternate road is very important,” the lawmaker said, adding that the road opening is a temporary solution. 

He added the proposed bridge will measure 350 meters-long with three spans and two piers. On the other hand, the superstructure and substructure of the bridge will be designed as a box girder and A-type pylons with bored piles made of reinforced concrete and will be constructed by phase.    

“We will look for funds to start phase 1 next year. After my visit to Pilando earlier this year, we coordinated with the DPWH and tasked them to propose a permanent