The Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge, previously examined in an investigative episode by PGMN Lead Anchor Cj Hirro, has reopened after the Department of Public Works and Highways completed a temporary steel bridge connector under interim Secretary Vince Dizon.
Hirro released an episode in 2025 examining the collapse of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge, raising questions about the planning, construction, and oversight of the government infrastructure project. (All five DPWH executives Hirro named have since either resigned or been removed.)
Watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/Iva9d3owklg?si=K0G9afxYB9yaKJqs
The bridge, which spans the Cagayan River and connects Cabagan, Isabela and Sta. Maria, Cagayan, partially collapsed on February 27, 2025 when an overloaded dump truck weighing more than 100 tons crossed the structure only weeks after it had formally opened to traffic earlier that month. Six people were injured and several vehicles fell when the third span from the Cabagan side gave way. The project cost more than ₱1.2 billion, excluding the designer’s fee.
Following the incident, government agencies conducted investigations and technical assessments into the collapse, while public reports during that period largely focused on the findings of the inquiry with no visible restoration work reported at the collapsed span.
On January 5, 2026, Secretary Dizon ordered the construction of a temporary steel bridge connector to restore access between the two towns and set a 60-day timeline for the project.
The temporary connector was completed and opened on March 2, 2026, successfully fulfilling the timeline set by Dizon and allowing one-lane passage for light vehicles with weight restrictions while long-term reconstruction plans for the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge continue to be prepared. The order marked the first visible restoration work at the collapsed span since the incident — a substantial net positive, particularly to the people of Isabela Province.
