A major bridge in Cabanatuan City is now off-limits to heavy trucks after cracks were discovered on the structure.

Motorists experienced heavy traffic on May 14 as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) closed the General Luna Bridge, more known commonly as the Valdefuente Bridge, in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, to all heavy vehicles.

The closure came after engineers found cracks under the bridge, raising serious safety concerns. Only light vehicles are now allowed to pass.

The closure came after engineers found cracks under the bridge, raising serious safety concerns. Only light vehicles are now allowed to pass.

"Actually, meron na rin tayo na parallel bridge doon na katabi, kaya lang hindi siya kayang i-accommodate 'yung volume ng mga sasakyan," Engr. John Carlos Tinio from the Planning and Design Section of Nueva Ecija DPWH 2nd District Engineering Office, said.

DPWH officials said the move was necessary to avoid accidents or injuries in case the bridge fails.

Before enforcing the restriction, the agency held a stakeholders meeting with representatives from the Cabanatuan City Police, local government, traffic enforcers, and other groups.

They agreed to block heavy trucks and coordinate traffic management to ease congestion.

DPWH said the aging bridge must be replaced.

"'Yung mga damages na 'yun, meron na po kaming proposed na i-reconstruct 'yung buong tulay… As of now po naka-proposed po siya ng 2026, and then hintay na lang po natin kung kailan po mare-release ang budget," Tinio said.

To keep traffic moving, DPWH clarified that heavy trucks coming from Metro Manila going to Isabela may still pass through the bridge.

However, trucks from Isabela bound for Manila must take an alternate route via the Felipe Vergara Highway, turn via Aliaga, and exit at Carmen Zaragoza before proceeding to the Tarlac-Zaragoza Road toward Sta. Rosa.

Tinio urged drivers for patience.

“Hindi naman siya totally closure. Kung baga sir, from north to south ipo-prohibit na natin dumaan 'yung mga heavy vehicles doon, pero 'yung light vehicles passable naman po doon,” he said.