Collapsed Isabela bridge reopens

MANILA, Philippines — The Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela, which collapsed in February last year due to overloading, will be reopened to motorists starting tomorrow, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said yesterday.

This developed after workers finished the installation of a temporary steel bridge connector on the P1.23-billion structure.

On Jan. 5, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the installation of the temporary connector, which was completed on Friday.

Vehicles weighing up to three tons and with an overhead height of 2.5 meters will be allowed to pass through the bridge, the DPWH said.

The Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge collapsed on Feb. 27, 2025 after the third span of the structure measuring 60 meters gave way.

The collapse was blamed on a dump truck loaded with large boulders.

The construction of the bridge started in November 2014 and was completed on Feb. 1, 2025.