The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said all national
roads affected by now-Tropical Depression “Ruby” are now open to traffic
in Bicol except for two road sections in Eastern Visayas and Southern
Tagalog.
As of 8 a.m. on December 9, 2014, DPWH regional director Melvin
Navarro said only the Baraca Bridge Detour, Milaor in Camarines Sur
remains closed in Bicol due to “damaged approach.”
Other damages resulting from the weather disturbance included “eroded
slope protection, scoured shoulder and washed out surface” after the
roadways were submerged in floodwaters and covered with mud die to
landslides.
The said damaged roads are the Lagonoy-Presentacion Road, Nabua
Poblacion along Daang Maharlika Highway, Iriga City-Nabua Road in
Camarines Sur, Catanduanes Circumferential Road, Jct. Bato-Baras Road
and Baras-Gigmoto-Viga Road in Catanduanes.
In Masbate, San Pascual-Claveria Road, Masbate-Cataingan-Placer
Daraga, and Jct. Milagros-Baleno-Lagta Road also sustained damages from
the typhoon as well as the Cabilogan Bridge in Albay.
Navarro said the cost of damage wrought by “Ruby” on roads, bridges and other public infrastructure amounted to P138.83 million.
DPWH continues to conduct clearing operations and emergency repairs
to make the roads passable to vehicular traffic. It has placed warning
signs on the affected roads.
“Assessment of damages on infrastructures in all district engineering
offices are still ongoing and subject for validation,” he said.
In Southern Tagalog, DPWH said Jct. MSR old Zigzag Road is still
off-limits to the riding public due to fallen trees and landslides.
In Samar, the Calbayog-Catarman via Lope de Vega Road in Barangays Sinidman and Tarabucan is still closed.
