STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan (PIA) – Two and a half years after sustaining structural damage, the rehabilitation of the Carlos P. Romulo Bridge in Barangay Wawa, Bayambang, Pangasinan, began March 31.
The project aims to improve transportation, ensure motorist safety and support economic growth.
For Mirasol Catubay, the barangay captain of Barangay Wawa, the rehabilitation is a much-needed improvement for the community.
She explained that before the project, only a temporary Bailey bridge was available for light vehicles, causing major challenges.
“The heavy vehicles, such as buses used for commuting, which used to pass through Barangay Wawa, now have to go through the town,” she said.
To address this, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allocated P300 million from the 2024 national budget for Phase 1 of the bridge restoration.
Beyond improving mobility, the bridge will reconnect communities and boost the local economy by making it easier to transport goods and people while reducing travel time.
For years, the bridge has supported trade and commerce, making its rehabilitation crucial for the community’s growth.
Since 1945, the 442-meter bridge with a 20-ton load limit has been one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks.
It connects Pangasinan and Tarlac, serving motorists and bus commuters traveling in and out of the province.
To prevent traffic disruptions, the DPWH will build a temporary bridge while repairs are underway.
The bridge collapsed on Oct. 20, 2022, when a 12-wheeler dump truck and an elf truck, weighing 63.3 tons and 6 tons, respectively, attempted to cross.
Meanwhile, Catubay expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts, saying the project will greatly benefit Bayambang and nearby areas.
“We are thankful to the government for building this bridge. It is a great help and a demonstration of love for Bayambang, as well as for neighboring towns and provinces,” Catubay said.
The rehabilitation of this historic bridge is a major step in improving infrastructure and supporting economic growth. (CCMT/JCDR, PIA Pangasinan)
