Year after collapse, Cabagan–Sta. Maria Bridge reopens with strict THREE-Ton Limit for light vehicles

Isabela, Philippines – A year after the Cabagan–Sta. Maria Bridge collapsed, the multi-billion-peso structure was reopened to light vehicles on March 2, 2026.

The 990-meter bridge, constructed with a P1.2-billion budget, was closed in February 2025 after a portion of the structure gave way when a dump truck carrying boulders from Tabuk City crossed it.

The collapse forced residents of Sta. Maria and Cabagan to cross the Cagayan River by boat whenever the overflow bridge beneath the superstructure became impassable.

On March 2, the Cabagan–Sta. Maria Bridge reopened to light vehicles following the completion of a temporary steel bridge connector installed at the collapsed section.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cagayan Valley, the bridge can accommodate vehicles with a maximum gross weight of three tons and a height of 2.5 meters. Strict traffic and safety measures will be enforced through 24/7 traffic management by the LGUs of Cabagan and Sta. Maria, in coordination with the DPWH Isabela 1st District Engineering Office.

The DPWH Central Office said the 60-day construction of the temporary passageway was in response to a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last year to complete the steel bridge connector.

“Secretary Vince B. Dizon assured that the DPWH will start constructing the permanent section of the bridge to accommodate heavier vehicles,” the agency wrote on Facebook.