By CESAR JOLITO III

Repair works on the damaged bridge approach of Himoga-an Bridge in Negros Occidental’s Sagay City began on Tuesday, February 3, after flooding caused by heavy rains from a shear line washed out portions of the structure over the weekend.

Provincial Engineer Ernie Mapa said contractor ESJ Construction has been tasked to carry out the rehabilitation, focusing on restoring the bridge approach and reinforcing affected road sections.

The project is expected to take about one month, depending on weather conditions.

Mapa clarified that the bridge has not yet been officially turned over to the provincial government, as it remains a Philippine Rural Development Project undertaking.

The turnover was originally scheduled for this month.

Himoga-an Bridge serves as a key link between Barangay Maquiling and Barangay Puey in Sagay City.

Aside from the approach, damaged portions of the road pavement — particularly areas where floodwaters undermined the road base — will also be repaired.

Authorities said filling materials will be placed first, making the bridge temporarily impassable during the initial phase of the works.

The bridge will be reopened to traffic once repairs are completed.

Addressing public concerns over the sandbags seen beneath the bridge approach, Mapa explained these were installed as part of standard construction procedures.

He said the bridge structure was completed ahead of the approach filling, and sandbags filled with gravel and other materials were used as temporary protection while the filling materials were being compacted.

Mapa assured the public that the sandbags do not affect the structural integrity of the bridge approach, noting that density tests are being conducted to ensure the filling materials are properly compacted and safe./CJ, WDJ