Albay bridge to open before All Saints’ Day after 15-year delay

The Kilicao-Binitayan Bridge in Daraga, Albay, is set to open to the public on Friday, October 30, just in time for the All Saints’ Day holiday. Photo courtesy of DPWH via Andrea Taguines, ABS-CBN NewsDARAGA, Albay — After 15 years of delays, the Kilicao-Binitayan Bridge in Daraga, Albay, will finally open to the public on Friday, October 30, just in time for the All Saints’ Day holiday.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon made the announcement on Monday morning, before Malacañang announced his return as Department of Transportation (DOTr) chief.

During his inspection, Dizon said two lanes of the bridge will be ready ahead of the weekend following the necessary load testing requirements.

There are also bike and pedestrian lanes.

Dizon said he previously learned of the stalled bridge during a visit to the Bicol Region five months ago.

Since then, he instructed local DPWH officials to fast track the construction.

“Nainis ako kasi 15 years na palang pinipilit gawin itong Kilicao-Binitayan Bridge, nakatengga nang napakatagal. Ang daming kababayan natin na napeperwisyo. Isipin mo yan lang ang dinadaanan nila, yung napakaliit na bridge na yun na one-way lang,” he said.

“Ngayon, in 5 months, natapos natin,” he added.

According to Dizon, the construction of the bridge was among the projects linked to fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co.

“Ang problema, na-Zaldy Co kasi ito e so talagang binaboy, na-delay,” he said.

Dizon now expects the bridge to ease traffic this coming All Saints’ Day holiday.

“Tamang tama, mag-uundas. May mga nadaanan akong public cemetery sa kabila. Hindi na sila mahihirapan at hindi na mata-traffic dito,” added Dizon.

Meanwhile, the other two lanes of the bridge is set to be finished by mid-November.

The DPWH said P420 million was used to build the four-lane bridge.