by Cecille Garcia
[ manilastandardtoday.com ] July 23-24, 2011]
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—-Authorities have opened the P218-million Kalakalan bridge, cutting travel time to the Freeport.
Contractor Venancio Policarpio, vice president of R.D. Policarpio and Co. Inc., said the project was designed to handle a traffic mix of private vehicles, trailer trucks and heavy equipment.
“We can assure the public that this bridge was built to provide safety and convenience to motorists,” he said.
SBMA senior deputy administrator Ramon Agregado said the 90-meter bridge with a covered and lighted pedestrian section formed part of the Subic Freeport expansion to upgrade service to Olongapo City, Zambales province and neighboring localities.
Operations manager Renato Cunan said the infrastructure included a three-lane entrance gate, waiting shed, vehicle processing, security plaza, and a parking area for trailers and heavy trucks, as well as traffic signals and other road safety features.
He said the project which started Jan. 5 last year was completed without a single injury under a “zero accident” policy of the contractor.
According to Policarpio, an average of 2,500 vehicles using Kalakalan will save 30 to 45 minutes instead of the roundabout Olongapo route.
The inaugural was also attended by SBMA Law Enforcement chief retired Gen. Orlando Madela, SBMA deputy administrator for technical services Mar Sanqui, corporate communications head Knette Fernando, Fr. Audie Mozo, Monsignor Chrisostomo Cacho, Fr. Apolinario Lezada, deputy administrator Robert Martinez and deputy administrator for business Raul Marcelo.
___________________________________________________________
