P44-M bridge replaces American-era structure in Subic Freeport
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—A relic of the American naval era inside the freeport zone here has officially been replaced after the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) inaugurated the new P44-million Upper Binictican Bridge last week, replacing a bridge originally constructed in the 1960s during the area’s time as a United States Naval Base.
After over a year of construction, the new bridge now connects the residential community of Binictican to the rest of the freeport zone, improving access for residents and tourists alike, particularly to the popular Pamulaklakin Trail.
DPWH supervision
In a statement, SBMA chair and administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño said the aging structure, which had served motorists for more than 60 years, had suffered “extensive deterioration” and needed to be replaced to ensure public safety.
The project was carried out under a memorandum of agreement between SBMA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Construction began on May 8 last year and was spearheaded by SBMA’s Office of the Deputy Administrator for Public Works and Technical Services Group (PWTSG), with design and supervision from the DPWH Bataan 1st District Engineering Office.
According to PWTSG deputy administrator Marco Estabillo, the new bridge, which was inaugurated on May 15, features a reinforced concrete deck girder design with a single span and two lanes, supported by reinforced concrete abutments and a mat foundation.
It is also wider and elevated, with sidewalks on both sides to accommodate foot traffic and to mitigate flooding and debris build-up during heavy rains.
