Residents are frustrated over the slow progress of construction of a small bridge in Barangay Talibaew, Calasiao, Pangasinan, which has dragged on for months and made travel harder, especially during rainy days.

The bridge project was already delayed for several months before construction resumed.

Residents said the delay is unacceptable given the bridge’s small size.

“Matagal na ‘yung tulay, eh. Ngayon lang inumpisahan, eh… matagal,” Aurora Aquino, a resident, said.

Motorists have to use a rerouting plan that sends them through flood-prone areas. During heavy rains, the alternate route becomes submerged, allowing only light vehicles to pass.

“Maliit na tulay, bakit ang tagal gawin? Bago sana sinira, doon muna ‘yung mga pilote. Eh wala pa eh. Ginagawa pa lang ‘yung pilote... three months na ata... dalawang buwan nakatiwangwang [’yan] d’yan,” Pablo Roycipa, another resident, added.

While there are other alternative routes—like Habagat Road in Barangay Mancup or the longer Binco Road in Barangay Buenlag—these add travel time and fuel costs.

The road elevation project connecting Barangay Talibaew to the bridge has already been completed, but the bridge construction itself remains far from finished.

GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon attempted to get a statement from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Pangasinan Fourth District Engineering Office, which oversees the project, but has yet to receive a response.