PGMA leads grounbreaking rites for P166.45-M bridge

Alimodian, Iloilo (14 August) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the groundbreaking ceremonies yesterday (August 13) of the P166,456,494 Nichols Bridge that will ensure anew safe reliable and smooth traffic network of people, goods and services of the 17 barangays of this municipality and its adjoining towns.

The original Nichols Bridge was destroyed by floods spawned by typhoon "Frank" when it hit Iloilo province in June last year. Affected residents are now using the temporary detour bridge that was constructed under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) President's Bridge Program Office (PBPO) which was completed in November 2008.

The new Nichols Bridge will be 150 meters in length and the superstructure will be precast concrete girder resting on bored piles. It is just one among the 43 bridges under Contract Package IV of Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development being implemented by the DPWH-PBPO.

"This project when completed will serve at least 17 barangays that are rich, rice producing and will provide easy flow of interaction among residents of these 17 barangays and the people in the poblacion area", said Mayor Juanito Alipao.

Alipao added that the bridge will also connect Alimodian to the towns of San Miguel and Cabatuan and the Iloilo International Airport.

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