TARLAC CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) conducted an inspection of the Agana Bridge in Tarlac on Thursday, confirming that crucial structural reinforcements have been successfully completed.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon stated that the bridge deck, which functions as the primary roadway for motorists, was upgraded over the past two days during short-term closures implemented from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
”Para lang mapalitan ng mas makinis at mas stable na decking para di maingay. Wala na akong naramdaman na vibration unlike ‘yung first few days nung binuksan natin medyo nagva-vibrate and maingay,” Dizon explained.
“Very stable na tayo ngayon. In fact, nagtaas pa tayo ng capacity, kaya na natin up to 15 tons,” he added.
To recall, the Agana Bridge suffered a collapse on August 29 following severe river swelling and flash floods brought on by the southwest monsoon.
Dizon noted that heavy-duty steel beams have been installed to act as defensive barriers for the infrastructure.
”Proteksyon ito para pag lumaki ulit ang mga ilog at madaganan ng mga bato, protektado na at di na mauulit kasi ganun ang nangyari. Binangga ng malalaking debris na dala ng mga ilog ‘yung mga sementong ‘yan, ‘yun ang nanira,” he shared.
Looking ahead, the DPWH chief outlined plans to construct a brand-new parallel bridge right next to the current structure.
”Next year sisimulan na ang isa pang tulay katabi ng Agana, para do-doble na capacity. From 2 lanes dito sa existing tulay, hopefully by next year or early 2028 tapos na yug 2nd Agana bridge natin,” Dizon stated.
In addition to these developments, the agency announced that restoration works for the nearby Aquino Bridge—which similarly collapsed on August 28—will commence shortly, with feasibility studies currently underway for a second parallel Aquino bridge as well.