DPWH: Magapit Bridge closed starting May 16 for repair

By Oliver T. Baccay

Wednesday 9th of May 2012

LALLO, Cagayan, May 9 (PIA) -- To start the rehabilitation of the famous Magapit Suspension Bridge in this town, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 2 announced that the bridge will be closed for six months beginning May 16.

The said bridge connects the province of Cagayan to northern Apayao province and the southern Cagayan Valley.

The DPWH has designed a temporary road network with ferry boats and docking facilities located adjacent to the bridge, to transport the vehicles across the river during the six-month rehabilitation period.

Mayor Florante Pascual and Board Member (BM) Maria Olivia B. Pascual assured the public of the safety of the ferry boats after the inspection done during the dry-run of the use of the ferry boats.

Six light vehicles were able to fit in the ferry boat during the dry-run.

Pascual ordered the local police force and barangay officials of Lal-lo to help in the traffic management.

BM Pascual also requested the DPWH for the possibility of having another ferry boat to transport vehicles and passengers faster and more efficiently. She also asked for the patience and understanding of the public because in the end, the rehabilitation of the Magapit Bridge will benefit everyone.

Built in the 1970s, Magapit Bridge is considered as the first suspension bridge in Southeast Asia and is one of the tourist attractions in the region.

According to DPWH management, the approved budget for the project was P100 million, wherein P50 million came from the DPWH and the other half came from the Senate President, Honorable Juan C. Ponce Enrile. (OTB-PIA 2)