Motorists can once again cross the Tarlac River through the temporary Bailey bridge installed at the collapsed section of the Agana Bridge in Tarlac City, three weeks after the original structure partially collapsed.
The temporary bridge opened to the public on Wednesday, providing residents and motorists with an alternative crossing and reducing the need to take longer alternate routes.
The Agana Bridge partially collapsed on August 29 due to strong river currents and heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon or Habagat.
However, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said only vehicles within the prescribed load limit may use the temporary Bailey bridge.
The DPWH imposed a 10-ton maximum vehicle load limit and a 20-kilometer-per-hour maximum speed limit on the temporary crossing.
Vehicles allowed to cross:
- Sedans
- Hatchbacks
- Crossovers
- Sport utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Pickup trucks
- L300 vans
- Jeepneys
- XLTs
- Ambulances
- Vans
- Elf trucks
- Mini dump trucks
Vehicles not allowed to cross:
- Buses
- Large trucks
- Fuel trucks
- Concrete mixer
A stop-and-go traffic scheme will also be implemented to ensure the safe and orderly flow of vehicles.
The agency urged motorists to follow the restrictions and traffic rules while using the temporary bridge.
The DPWH said the construction was carried out on a 24/7 basis following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to immediately restore access to Tarlac and nearby areas.
