Naguilian-Baguio road section closed to heavy vehicles due to weak bridge

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Philippines—A section of the Naguilian Road connecting La Union and Benguet provinces was closed to heavy vehicles beginning Tuesday due to a weakened bridge in Barangay (village) Ribsuan in Naguilian town in La Union.

Heavy vehicles, including buses, were diverted to the Marcos Highway in Agoo town after the Department of Public Works and Highways recommended the temporary closure of the bridge for possible restoration.

The bridge, which connects Naguilian and Burgos towns, is said to be one of the oldest bridges on Naguilian Road.

Police said motorists from the Ilocos provinces going to Baguio City via Naguilian Road may still take the route as one lane remains open to light vehicles.

“The DPWH recommended the temporary closure of that section to heavy vehicles after engineers discovered a hole in the middle of the bridge,” Miranda said.

She said continuous rain in previous days may have caused the bridge to weaken and develop a crevice.

John Amurin, employee of the Partas Bus lines plying the route, said its Ilocos-Baguio trips on Tuesday started using Marcos Highway to reach Baguio City.

“The trip to Baguio via Marcos Highway takes another 45 minutes from the regular travel time,” he said.

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