Cagayan: More than 11 percent of the construction works for the detour bridge in Alcala, Cagayan is now complete, just a few days since its construction began, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH announced in a social media post that work continues on the detour bridge, which will serve as an alternative route for the collapsed Piggatan Bridge in the town. Earlier, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon promised to complete the detour bridge with a weight limit of up to 40 tons in just 60 days.

This initiative comes in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expedite the construction of the alternative bridge, as it is essential for transporting agricultural products during this harvest season. The DPWH chief has allocated full force manpower and equipment, ensuring 24/7 site development and delivery of materials.

The project for the detour bridge has a total budget exceeding PHP17 million. The new structure is designed to be a 124-meter bridge with a capacity of 40 tons, significantly more than the 18-ton capacity of the collapsed bridge.