Pontoon installation started as alternative route for bridge

TARLAC CITY — The city government began installing pontoons on Friday to provide an alternative crossing for the Aquino Bridge, which partially collapsed last month after heavy rains from the southwest monsoon caused strong currents along the Tarlac River.

Mayor Susan Yap said the installation began on 3 October to provide residents with a safer alternative route to the western side of the city.

“Today, we began installing the pontoons at the Aquino Bridge as one of the measures to provide an alternative way of crossing to the western side of our city,” Yap said.

She thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Romando Artes, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and the national government for supporting the city’s efforts.

The 306.6-meter Aquino Bridge, also known as the Ninoy Aquino Bridge, spans the Tarlac River along Romulo Highway and connects the central Poblacion area with western Tarlac.

Shortly before midnight on 28 August, a substantial section of the bridge collapsed and was swept away after the river swelled due to continuous heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat.

Marcos and Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon inspected the damaged bridge on 2 September.

The national government has allocated P300 million to the city government for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Aquino Bridge.