DPWH inspects ‘gaps’ at viaduct

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways-7 inspected yesterday the viaduct at the South Road Properties and confirmed reports that the expansion joints have loosened up.

Engineer Cesar Villaflor, however, assured the public that the structural integrity of the infrastructure has not been compromised.

"Kasagaran mokang-a na ang expansion joint tungod sa mga heavy equipment nga mo agi. Pero it's not alarming. Di sad na siya mahugno or matunga ang bridge," Villaflor said.

Marie Nillama, DPWH-7 information officer, explained that all bridges like the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge or the Marcelo Fernan Bridge have expansion joints.

"Naay times mokang-a na ang expansion joints tungod sa kabug-at tingali sa mga sakyanan nga moagi. Pero di na mabungkag ang bridge. Dali ra pud na siya ma-retrofit," Nillama said.

Bridge expansion joints are designed to allow for continuous traffic between structures while accommodating movement, shrinkage, and temperature variations on reinforced and prestressed concrete, composite, and steel structures.

It also stops the bridge from bending out of place in extreme conditions. Expansion joints also help give bridges a little "breathing" room.

Bridges made of concrete are going to expand and contract slightly for a number of reasons, including temperature changes, shrinkage of the concrete, settlement, ice and even the weight of vehicles.

Villaflor said that they are conducting assessment on the situation to start maintenance repairs.

Earlier, concerned netizens posted on Facebook what appears to be "cracks" at the viaduct and expressed alarms over possible dangers it may cause to the motorists. (FREEMAN)