A decades-old bridge in Calasiao, Pangasinan that connects Barangay Lumbang and Barangay Longos was closed after local officials raised safety concerns, forcing residents to take longer routes amid rising fuel costs and daily travel disruptions.

The Barangay Council of Longos ordered the immediate closure of the bridge after reports that it had become unsafe for use.

Joseph Uson, chairman of Barangay Longos, said the decision was made quickly after receiving warnings about a possible accident.

“Biglaan po ‘yung pagkasara ng tulay. Inutusan ko agad ang ating district kagawad na isara dahil nabalitaan namin na may muntik nang mahulog,” Uson said.

He admitted that the closure was not coordinated with officials from Barangay Lumbang and asked for understanding from affected residents.

The bridge is a key route for nearly half of Lumbang residents traveling to the town proper and nearby villages.

Roberto Agsalud, a barangay councilman of Lumbang, said the closure has made travel more difficult and expensive.

“Halimbawa, punta kami sa Macabito, Buenlag, Mancup, sa bayan, dito na dadaan. Eh, kung iikot pa, alam niyo na, mahal ngayon ang gasolina, sobra,” Agsalud said.

Residents said they are now forced to take longer routes, increasing transport costs especially during rainy weather and school days.

Loreta Andrada-Paramio, a resident, said daily travel has become more difficult.

“Ngayong isinara na po, imbes na doon po kami dadaan, nakasara na po kaya iikot na lang po kami palabas ng Lumbang papuntang bayan po,” she said.

Local officials acknowledged the inconvenience but said the bridge had long been identified as structurally unsafe. They said it was originally built in the 1980s and last repaired under a previous provincial administration.

Calasiao Mayor Patrick Camarat said rehabilitation funds have already been allocated.

“Actually, mayroon pong nakapondo sa ating 20 percent development fund na ‘yung first phase po ng rehabilitation ng Lumbang-Longos Bridge ay masisimulan po natin within the year. And ‘yung phase 2 po, next year po,” Camarat said.

The local government asked for patience from residents, saying the bridge will undergo rehabilitation and reconstruction to ensure long-term safety.