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,[3] 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.[4]

Agas-Agas Bridge
Coordinates10.4972523°N 124.9979911°E / 10.4972523; 124.9979911
Carries2 lanes of AH 26 (N1), vehicular traffic and pedestrians
LocaleSogod, Southern Leyte
Maintained byDepartment of Public Works and Highways
Characteristics
Designbeam bridge
MaterialPrestressed concrete
Total length350 m (1,150 ft)
Width9.60 m (31.5 ft)[1]
Height89 m (292 ft)
No. of lanesTwo-lane single carriageway
Design life30 years[1]
History
Construction startNovember 17, 2006 (2006-11-17)[2]
Construction endAugust 2, 2009 (2009-08-03)[2]
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.[5]

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.[6]

The Agas-Agas Bridge zipline, now known as "Zipline Leyte", opened in April 2011.[3] 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.[7] 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.[8] The Agas Agas Bridge also has a spacious parking space, food kiosks and a tourist pavilion.[9]

It serves as the Engineering Boundary (DPWH) but not the Political Boundary. Next to it is the Office of Department of Public Works and Highways.

References
  1. "Detailed Bridge Inventory". Department of Public Works and Highways. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  2. Esplanada, Jerry E.(2015-02-11). "Highest bridge in PH in danger of collapsing". Inquirer.net. Retrieved on 2016-11-30.
  3. (2011-04-16). "Agas-Agas zipline launched". Sunstar.com. Retrieved on 2014-03-15.
  4. Sakowski (2012-05-04). "Agas-Agas Bridge". Highest Bridges.com. Retrieved on 2014-03-15.
  5. (2010-08). "Agas Agas Bridge Construction – Leyte". Dutchpickle.com. Retrieved on 2014-03-15.
  6. "Agas-Agas Bridge: The Highest Bridge in the Philippines". vigattintourism.com. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
  7. 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. archived at Ghostarchive.org on May 8, 2022
  8. Gorne, Es (April 11, 2011). "Zip Southern Leyte in Sogod completes construction, opens to public soon". pia.gov.ph. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
  9. "SOAR HIGH LIKE AN EAGLE THROUGH AGAS AGAS BRIDGE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE". DriftyWood Journeys. October 2013. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
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