DPWH to Conduct Soil Exploration Around 'Road Hole' in Manila

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will conduct soil exploration around the site where a truck fell into a five-foot deep hole at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Remedios Street in Manila.

In a statement Wednesday, June 26, the DPWH said the procedure will determine the works to be done on the damaged portion of the secondary road in Manila and also to determine the timeline of the construction.

"DPWH will also undertake soil exploration along Remedios Street from Roxas Boulevard up to M.H. Del Pilar Street for one to two weeks to determine the necessary scope of works and timeline of construction," the agency said.

"The road which sits on top of a box culvert built in the 1970s will be upgraded to conform with the present standard design of the Department," the statement added.

At the same time, the DPWH noted that it will continue to blockade the area 24/7.

Soil exploration is being conducted to determine the basic properties of soil which affect the design and safety of structures, compressibility, strength and hydrological conditions.

On Sunday, a 14-wheeler truck loaded with tons of sand fell into the hole at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Remedios Street in Manila.

The box culvert along the road collapsed as the secondary road could only accommodate 20 tons. It was reported that the truck weighed about 42 tons.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar has already ordered an investigation of the incident.