The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has recently unveiled a new 50-meter bridge in Santol town, La Union, marking a significant improvement in regional infrastructure. The bridge, part of the Santol–San Gabriel (La Union)–Kapangan (Benguet) Road, was officially opened to the public on February 14, 2025, following its completion on October 31, 2024.
According to Esperanza Tinaza, the information officer for DPWH Ilocos Region, the bridge is designed to boost trade and social services in the upland areas of the region. The structure features three spans of varying lengths—15 meters, 20 meters, and another 15 meters—supported by two piers and two abutments, ensuring robust structural integrity.
The project also includes Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement on the approaches, with lengths of 52.40 meters for Approach A and 83.40 meters for Approach B. Additional slope protection measures have been implemented to combat erosion and enhance the bridge’s longevity.
Tinaza highlighted that the bridge is expected to invigorate economic activities by offering a quicker, more efficient, and cost-effective transportation route. This development is not only beneficial for Santol and San Gabriel in La Union but also crucial for fostering trade and business connections between the Ilocos provinces and Benguet, as well as between the Ilocos Region and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
The construction of the bridge began on May 18, 2023, and its completion is anticipated to have a profound impact on the development of La Union and its neighboring provinces. Beyond economic advantages, the bridge is designed with environmental sustainability and structural safety in mind, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.