New P2-B bridge seen to push Cagayan growth

INFRA CHECK President Marcos, accompanied by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and officials of Cagayan, inspects the collapsed Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan, on Thursday, as he checks measures addressing the transport disruption along the Maharlika Highway. A temporary detour steel bridge was opened last month beside the 51-year-old bridge. —PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE PHOTO

CAMALANIUGAN, CAGAYAN—President Marcos on Thursday opened the P2.09-billion Camalaniugan-Aparri bridge that is expected to boost economic activities in the northernmost parts of Cagayan province.

“I am confident that this bridge will change the economy on both sides [of the Cagayan River]. This will give many opportunities for people in the surrounding areas; they will be given opportunities for new jobs, for new businesses, and I’m sure that you will feel the effects, the economic effects in a very, very, very short time,” the President, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino, told a crowd of local officials, government workers and residents.

The bridge spans 1,580 meters and can handle a maximum load of 45 tons. It links Camalaniugan town to the western part of Aparri and other western and eastern areas of northern Cagayan across the Cagayan River.

Accessibility

Mr. Marcos said the new bridge would enhance accessibility, strengthen economic linkages and reduce travel time and transportation costs while ensuring the uninterrupted movement of goods and people.

The bridge primarily serves as an alternate route to the Magapit suspension bridge, which was previously the only bridge crossing the Cagayan River in the northernmost part of Cagayan.

Travel time between the towns of Aparri and Ballesteros via the Magapit bridge is expected to be reduced from an hour to just about 20 minutes, benefiting more than 6,000 travelers daily.

Built by Hunan Road and Bridge Corp. and Agafer Construction and Trading, the project began construction in 2020, funded through the regular budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways. It was completed a month earlier than its scheduled opening in February this year.

Detour

Before flying to Camalaniugan, the President inspected the Piggatan detour bridge in Alcala town built to temporarily handle vehicular traffic after the main bridge collapsed in October last year due to overloading.

Completed last Dec. 14 at the cost of P19 million, the temporary bridge was opened to traffic on Dec. 19.

During the inspection in Alcala, Mr. Marcos ordered Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon to fast track the construction of the permanent bridge in Piggatan estimated to cost P180 million.

The President said he would ensure that other dilapidated bridges across Cagayan Valley region would be repaired, stressing that these “are vital links for commuters, transport operators and businesses.” —WITH A REPORT FROM LUISA CABATO