The News Today Online

Massive inspection up on 3rd district cargo trucks

By Erly C. Garcia

In the wake of reports that several bridges and road networks in the third district have deteriorated due to overloaded cargo trucks, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has implemented a massive inspection of vehicles in said area.

LTO has sent a team to check on the tonnage of cargo trucks passing by the Maasin-Cabatuan road network. Haulers of sand and stone for the New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP) mainly use this road network.

Recently, the LTO reported that they have already apprehended 36 cargo trucks since the start of the inspection. Apprehended cargo trucks exceeded the allowable tonnage set by the DPWH which is 20 tons.

Earlier, Rep. Arthur Defensor raised the issue of the weakening conditions of Tigum and Amerang bridges in Cabatuan due to constant overloading.

In an inspection DPWH confirmed that the foundation of the bridge were scoured and some cracks can be seen in the main girders.

Eventually, DPWH Regional Director Rolando Asis coordinated with the local government officials of Maasin and Cabatuan to strictly enforce 'one truck at a time' policy.

DPWH also installed portable weigh bridge near the bridge approach to monitor the load of trucks. Warning signs were already installed to regulate the traffic.

Meanwhile, DPWH Undersecretary Salvador Pleyto instructed Asis to prepare the necessary documents to start the repair works on the said bridges which need P3.5 million.