(Photo courtesy of PNA)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced plans to build two additional bridges in Tarlac City to improve road connectivity and ease traffic congestion following damage to existing structures caused by heavy rains in August.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said Thursday that construction of a second Agana Bridge is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion targeted by the end of that year or early 2028.
Speaking during an inspection of Agana Bridge, Dizon said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed the agency to expand the bridge’s capacity from two lanes to four.
“The President has asked me to announce to our fellow citizens here in Tarlac that, starting next year, we will begin construction of another bridge right next to the existing Agana Bridge,” Dizon said.
He confirmed that Php 180 million has been allocated under the proposed 2027 budget for the construction of the additional bridge.
Dizon also disclosed plans to construct a second Aquino Bridge using funds allocated by the national government.
He said discussions with Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap are underway to determine how the available funding can support the project.
If completed, the two additional structures would bring the total number of bridges at the Agana and Aquino crossings to four.
“Hopefully, by the end of the President’s term, we will have a total of four bridges here,” Dizon said.
The DPWH chief emphasized that the projects are part of the administration’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure across Tarlac province.
Meanwhile, the agency earlier opened the temporary Agana Bailey Bridge to light vehicles weighing no more than 10 tons, with a maximum speed limit of 20 kilometers per hour.
The temporary structure was installed after a section of Agana Bridge partially collapsed on August 29 due to strong river currents and heavy rainfall.
A day earlier, on August 28, the middle section of Aquino Bridge also collapsed following intense rains brought by the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat.
The proposed bridge projects aim to restore and expand transportation capacity while providing safer and more reliable routes for motorists, commuters, and commercial vehicles.
