DPWH closes Bulacan bridge due to repair

CALUMPIT, Bulacan, Philippines  – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has carried out a total closure of the Gatbuka Bridge here that connects the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga, as it had to undergo emergency repair.

The shutdown led to instant rerouting of vehicular traffic. It is expected to last for another four days as contractors rush the emergency repair.

This came 24 days after the collapse of the Colgante Bridge in Apalit, Pampanga while three dump trucks were passing through it.

Engineer Antonio Molano, DPWH-Central Luzon director, said the emergency shutdown of the Gatbuca Bridge came after Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado asked for an immediate inspection following the collapse of the Colgante Bridge.

During the inspection on Friday afternoon, Molano said engineers found a steel truss detached under the bridge.

“We have to immediately act on it because it might endanger lives,” he said.

The closure of the bridge irked motorists and jeepney drivers plying the Malolos City, Bulacan and San Fernando, Pampanga route, as it was carried out without any warning.

However, Alvarado said the situation called for an immediate decision. “There is an emergency at hand, and we cannot wait for an accident to close it down. It’s a preventive move,” he said.