DPWH starts repairs on Mancatian Bridge

PORAC— The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started repairs on the Mancatian Bridge in a bid to reinforce the structural integrity of the said structure.

The vital structure for commercial and commuter traffic has been placed under repairs and was closed to heavy traffic since March 18.

The bridge will be closed to heavy traffic and only light vehicles will be allowed through until repairs on the bridge are completed. It is not yet clear when the repairs will be finished.

Mayor Condralito dela Cruz in August last year announced that some P360 million has been allocated for the repair and the construction of protective engineering on the Mancatian Bridge here to soften the regular flow of lahar from the Porac-Zambales ar ea.

This came as rains from habagat in 2018 damaged portions of the protective embankments as well as part of the foundation of the Mancatian Bridge. The lahar that the waters had brought down through the PasigPotrero River had been strong enough to cause damage.

Dela Cruz said that the DPWH already sent heavy equipment in the area to start

initial re-channeling of the water flow. He added that protecting the bridge is vital in keeping the eastern barangays connected with the rest of the town.

The Mancatian Bridge connects Porac-Dinalupihan road with Angeles City and is a vital facility for local commercial activity in the area. An average of 6,000 to 8,000 vehicles traverse the said bridge daily. The vehicular traffic consists mainly of jeepneys, trucks and private vehicles.