CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is fast-tracking the construction of Phase II of the Cabu Parallel Bridge along the Nueva Ecija-Aurora Road in Cabanatuan City.

DPWH Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineer Elpidio Trinidad disclosed that Phase I, which involved the construction of the 50.7-meter bridge substructure and superstructure, has been completed as of March 1, 2024. “P92.6 million was allotted for Phase I under the 2023 national budget,” he added.

Meanwhile, Phase II is now 24.49 percent complete. It includes the construction of 100-meter bridge approaches on both ends.

“Phase II received P29 million funding under this year’s budget. Once completed, the bridge will span 250.7 meters, connecting the cities of Cabanatuan and Palayan,” Trinidad furthered.
 

Assistant District Engineer Robert Jay Panaligan, on the other hand, noted that the new Cabu Parallel Bridge will better accommodate increasing traffic volumes, particularly from motorists traveling to Dingalan and Baler towns in Aurora and Eastern towns of Nueva Ecija.

"Due to wear and tear over time, the old Cabu bridge may require more frequent repairs and maintenance. Rerouting heavy trucks onto this new bridge will reduce the workload on the existing Cabu bridge, minimizing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of both bridges," Panaligan emphasized.

Concrete slope protection on steel sheet piles has been installed to fortify bridge abutments and prevent scouring during periods of high water levels in Cabu Creek, a tributary of the Pampanga River.

Local farmers and traders from Dingalan town in Aurora and agricultural  areas in Palayan and the municipalities of Bongabon and Laur in Nueva Ecija will enjoy hassle-free travel for their heavy trucks once the new bridge is completed by the end of this quarter. (MJSC/CLJD-PIA 3)