Agas-Agas Bridge
The Agas-Agas Bridge is a prestressed concrete beam bridge on the Pan-Philippine Highway. The ₱1.024-billion bridge was funded partially by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. With a length of about 350 meters (1,150 ft) and a height of 89 meters (292 ft) above ground,[2] the center span of the structure measures 177 meters (581 ft) in length supported by two piers measuring 73 meters (240 ft) and 75 meters (246 ft) from the ground.[3]
Agas-Agas Bridge | |
---|---|
Coordinates | 10.4972523°N 124.9979911°E |
Carries | 2 lanes of N1 / AH26 (Pan-Philippine Highway), vehicular traffic and pedestrians |
Locale | Sogod, Southern Leyte |
Characteristics | |
Design | beam bridge |
Material | Prestressed concrete |
Total length | 350 meters (1,150 ft) |
Height | 89 meters (292 ft) |
No. of lanes | Two-lane single carriageway |
History | |
Construction start | November 17, 2006[1] |
Construction end | August 2, 2009[1] |
Construction cost | ₱1.024 billion |
Location | |
The mountainous Agas-Agas section of the Pan-Philippine Highway in Southern Leyte is prone to landslides during heavy rains, much more when a typhoon strikes the province. The bridge was constructed in 2006 to avoid the troublesome section and cut down the driving time for motorists.[4]
Tourism
Seeing its high tourism potential the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) submitted to President Gloria Arroyo the plan to turn the bridge into a haven for enthusiasts of bungee jumping, paramotor, downhill skateboarding, zip-line, rappelling and other extreme sports. On August 9, 2009, the president signed the construction of the bungee jumping platform along the bridge as well as other tourism amenities.[5]
The Agas-Agas Bridge zipline, now known as "Zipline Leyte", opened in April 2011.[2] The twin zipline, one of the longest in the country at 880 meters (2,890 ft), glides diagonally above the bridge and the riverine below it.[6] A Provincial Pavilion complete with a parking lot and food and souvenir kiosks has been constructed atop a promontory overlooking the deep ravine of the nearby gorge.[7] The Agas Agas Bridge also has a spacious parking space, food kiosks and a tourist pavilion.[8]
References
- Esplanada, Jerry E.(2015-02-11). "Highest bridge in PH in danger of collapsing". Inquirer.net. Retrieved on 2016-11-30.
- (2011-04-16). "Agas-Agas zipline launched". Sunstar.com. Retrieved on 2014-03-15.
- Sakowski (2012-05-04). "Agas-Agas Bridge". Highest Bridges.com. Retrieved on 2014-03-15.
- (2010-08). "Agas Agas Bridge Construction – Leyte". Dutchpickle.com. Retrieved on 2014-03-15.
- "Agas-Agas Bridge: The Highest Bridge in the Philippines". vigattintourism.com. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
- GMA Public Affairs. (2013-10-13). "Drew Arellano takes a zipline across the Agas-Agas bridge in Southern Leyte (Biyahe ni Drew)". YouTube.com. Retrieved on 2014-03-15.
- Gorne, Es (April 11, 2011). "Zip Southern Leyte in Sogod completes construction, opens to public soon". pia.gov.ph. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
- "SOAR HIGH LIKE AN EAGLE THROUGH AGAS AGAS BRIDGE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE". DriftyWood Journeys. October 2013. Retrieved October 9, 2018.