THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed repair of the damaged asphalt pavement of Mindanao’s longest span, the Panguil Bay Bridge.
The asphalt layer that serves to enhance the bridge’s long-term durability was rectified to high , and that the box girders and main structural components of the bridge remain unaffected.
DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain said the defects were confined to the asphalt pavement on some sections and did not affect the structural integrity of the 3.17-kilometer long bridge.
The contractor, Namkwang-Kukdong-Gumgwang joint venture (NKG JV), was directed to replace the damaged asphalt pavement at no additional cost, as the completion certificate for the project has not yet been issued
According to the DPWH and the project consultant, Yooshin-Pyunghwa-Kyongho joint venture, the defects were caused by overloaded trucks exceeding the 30-ton design capacity of the bridge.
Following the Panguil Bay Bridge’s opening last Sept. 27, some surface damage appeared on the asphalt pavement due to overloaded vehicles crossing the bridge before controls were enforced.
Torrential rains worsened the damage, as rainwater lead to widespread pavement deformation and the expansion of potholes in affected areas.
To ensure long-term quality, the DPWH has directed the contractor to prepare and submit a comprehensive repair plan that includes a revised asphalt mix design and waterproofing measures to support the full end-to-end full upgrading of the asphalt pavement.
