Courtesy: Kenneth Darrel Battad
A TEMPORARY detour bridge in Barangay Nalasin gave way on Sunday after an allegedly overloaded truck traversed the structure, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The Kaliwet Detour Bridge, which was meant to serve as a crossing while a permanent replacement is being built, collapsed shortly after a 10-wheeler truck carrying boulders passed over it. Initial investigations revealed that the vehicle weighed approximately 20 tons — four times the bridge’s maximum allowable load limit of only 5 tons.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed the incident and stated that response teams were immediately dispatched to the site to assess the extent of the damage and manage traffic flow.
At the time of the collapse, DPWH personnel were already stationed in the area to monitor movement and ensure safety compliance. The permanent bridge currently under construction is targeted for completion within the month, and the temporary structure was expected to remain in use only until then.
Following the incident, authorities expedited embankment works to establish an alternative access route capable of carrying loads of up to 20 tons.
This new temporary passage is now open to vehicles, allowing travel to resume even as clearing and recovery operations continue at the collapse site. The development comes amid growing public concern over a string of similar bridge-related incidents across the country, as well as broader issues and controversies hounding government infrastructure projects.
The DPWH emphasized that it will hold the truck operator accountable for violating standard load restrictions, noting that such breaches compromise structural integrity and endanger public safety. The agency also issued a reminder to all motorists, especially cargo and heavy vehicle operators, to strictly observe posted weight limits and safety regulations. Adherence to these rules, the department stressed, is essential in preventing accidents and ensuring that public infrastructure remains safe and functional for everyone.
