The collapsed Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan, was designed and built in 1974 but underwent retrofitting around 2022 or 2023, according to Ruelie Rapsing, Head of the Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO).
“Way back [from] 2022 to 2023, I think there was a retrofitting done. But the design of that [bridge] was way back [in] 1974. ‘Yung anticipation ng mga dadaan dyan was not considered to us at the time,” he told in an interview with DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan on Tuesday, October 7.
The bridge, which is 4.27 meters in length, is the only national highway in the province. Rapsing noted that it was where the trailer trucks usually cross. On Monday afternoon, four trailer trucks carrying harvested rice and corn crossed the bridge at the same time.
Rapsing noted that some also carried commodities delivered to the northern portion of the province.
“Since ito lang po ‘yung national highway namin na dito sa Cagayan na traversing from south to north, and going towards Ilocos Norte. Ito ‘yung usual na daanan talaga ng trailer truck,” Ruellig explained.
“Hindi siya kakaiba. ‘Yun ang usual and daily na nangyayari na dinadaanan talaga siya ng mga malalaking truck at hindi lang ng light vehicles kasi ito lang ‘yung national highway namin dito,” he added.
Rapsing also stated that the bridge has a weight limit of 18 tons, as indicated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) signage. Despite this, he said they cannot conclusively report that the combined weight of the four trailer trucks is the sole reason for the bridge’s collapse.
With this, he said they are giving the DPWH ample time to investigate and finish its report.
Alternate Routes
Following the incident, Ruellig said they automatically assigned alternate routes for commuters, including vehicles carrying commodities.
For the trailer and delivery trucks, they are advised to take the routes from San Jose, Baggao to Cappissayan, noting an additional 2-hour travel time.
Meanwhile, light vehicles are advised to drive to the comprehension road within Barangay Bigatan for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
“As I have said, hindi po unusual ‘yung paggamit na ‘yan dahil ‘yan lang po ang isang major route national highway po namin dito. ‘Yun po ang nakasanayan nila,” Rapsing reiterated.
Following the incident, seven individuals were reportedly injured and were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Alcala, Cagayan. According to Rapsing, the said persons sustained minor injuries.
On Monday, the Cagayan Provincial Information Office announced that the Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan, had collapsed, rendering the structure impassable to all types of vehicles.
