TARLAC CITY, Tarlac – Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon inspected the Agana Bailey Bridge here on October 15 to check its quality and safety following rectification of its steel deck, as the Marcos administration announced plans to build two new bridges in the city.
In a statement, Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap said the bridge can now accommodate two-way traffic after repairs, easing crossings for residents.
“Matapos ang mga isinagawang pagkukumpuni, maaari na pong daanan ang tulay nang two-way para mas mapadali ang pagtawid ng ating mga kababayan,” Mayor Yap said, while appealing for patience from motorists as traffic flow improves.
The Agana Bailey Bridge has been upgraded to accommodate vehicles weighing up to 15 tons, up from the previous 10-ton limit imposed when it was opened to light vehicles last month. A 20 kph speed limit had also been enforced on the structure.
A portion of the bridge partially collapsed on August 29 due to strong river currents and heavy rains. The middle section of the nearby Aquino Bridge collapsed a day earlier, on August 28, amid heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon.
During the inspection, Dizon announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered construction of a new Aquino Bridge following its collapse, with funding coming from allocations released by the President.
The DPWH chief also revealed that construction of a second Agana Bridge will begin next year, with PHP180 million allocated for 2027, expected to be completed by early 2028.
According to Dizon, President Marcos asked him to announce to Tarlac residents that construction of a second bridge beside the existing Agana Bridge will begin next year, doubling capacity from two lanes to four.
He said the new Agana Bridge is targeted for completion by next year or early 2028, and that PHP180 million has been allocated for 2027 to fund the construction. Dizon described this as the President’s commitment to Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap and to all Tarlac residents.
The DPWH chief said the Mayor and he have been discussing the funds provided by the President to the province, which may allow the construction of a second Aquino Bridge.
“That makes four bridges—including a second bridge here in Agana and a second Aquino Bridge. That is our game plan, and it represents the President’s commitment—not just to Tarlac City, but to the entire province. This is what we will carry out over the next few months,” he said.
Yap thanked the DPWH, Dizon, and Marcos for their continued support, saying the measures would improve crossings and ease traffic for residents.
“Maraming salamat po sa DPWH, kay Secretary Vince Dizon, at sa ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa patuloy na pagtutok at pagbibigay ng suporta sa ating lungsod,” she said.
Dizon’s announcement signals the administration’s push to expand transport infrastructure in Tarlac, with the new Agana Bridge aimed at easing traffic and supporting the province’s growing mobility needs by 2028.
