The repair of the Carlos P. Romulo Bridge, also known as the Wawa Bridge, in Pangasinan is set to commence this quarter. The bridge, which spans 442 meters along the Camiling-Wawa-Bayambang-Malasiqui-Sta. Barbara Road, suffered a collapse in October 2022 due to the passage of overloaded trucks. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Ilocos Region has allocated PHP300 million for the project in the 2024 national budget. The repair work will encompass the construction of a detour road, foundation works, and the demolition of the existing bridge structure. The procurement process and project initiation occurred in the fourth quarter of 2024, following a public consultation on January 22 of this year. The completion of the bridge is contingent upon the timely release of funds. The bridge, constructed in 1945, serves as a vital link between Pangasinan and Tarlac, facilitating travel for commuters and vehicles to and from the National Capital Region. The collapse was triggered by two trucks, one carrying fertilizer and the other sand, exceeding the bridge’s 20-ton load limit. A temporary bailey bridge with a five-ton load limit was installed to allow light vehicles to cross, reopening the route two weeks after the incident. The bailey bridge operates as one-way traffic, with vehicles required to maintain a 20-meter distance. Vehicles over five tons must use alternate routes, which are longer than the usual path. These alternate routes include the Bocboc Bridge-Mangatarem route, the Carmen Junction-Manat Road, and the Rosales-Tarlac route. The bridge’s collapse has affected six villages in Bayambang, necessitating the installation of the bailey bridge. Mayor Mary Clare Judith Phyllis Jose Quiambao of Bayambang announced plans for a second temporary bridge to manage daily traffic before the demolition and reconstruction of the permanent bridge. She emphasized the collaborative efforts with the DPWH and other government agencies to ensure the new bridge’s durability, resilience, and strength.
