Marcos inspects reconstruction of Piggatan Bridge in Cagayan

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Thursday inspected the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Piggatan Bridge in Cagayan province, which collapsed in October last year.  

During Marcos' inspection, he was briefed about the status of the Piggatan Bridge project, including the completion and opening of the temporary detour steel bridge last month.

Plans about the construction of a permanent bridge were also presented to the President as this seeks to replace the old bridge that can provide a long-term and climate-resilient solution in addressing the traffic situation along the national highway.

Marcos then tasked the Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure that the replacement bridge is properly designed and constructed.

He added that the new bridge should be safe and durable, noting that this must comply with proper engineering standards.

To recall, the 45-year-old bridge collapsed after three loaded trucks, each with an estimated weight of 50 tons, attempted to cross the bridge at the same time, far exceeding its 18-ton capacity. 

According to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, the bridge was already rusting and the only time it was retrofitted was in 2016. —Anna Felicia Bajo/RF, GMA Integrated News