Engineer Defends Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge Design Amid Collapse Controversy

 

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The recent collapse of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela has sparked nationwide concern, with critics pointing fingers at possible design flaws. However, Albert Cañete, the engineer behind the project, has come forward to refute these claims, asserting that the bridge was constructed strictly following the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) guidelines.

Bridge Built to Withstand Heavy Loads

In an interview with Storycon on One News, Cañete clarified that the bridge was designed to accommodate two 27-ton trucks at a time, making for a total load capacity of 54 tons. This specification aligns with the DPWH’s 2015 bridge code, which mandates a minimum weight limit of 27 tons for 10-wheeler trucks.

However, Cañete revealed that at the time of the collapse, the bridge was bearing the weight of overloaded trucks—one of which reached a staggering 102 tons, nearly double the intended capacity. He emphasized that no bridge could withstand such an excessive load without facing structural consequences.

Call for a Thorough Investigation

Despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s statement suggesting a design flaw as the cause of the incident, Cañete remains firm in his stance. He urged authorities to conduct a detailed forensic engineering investigation to pinpoint the exact reason for the collapse rather than rushing to conclusions.

Additionally, the engineer called for a review of the country’s existing bridge code, recommending that new regulations consider the evolving nature of modern trucks, which often exceed traditional weight limits. He suggested incorporating an "overload factor" into future bridge designs to prevent similar disasters.

Government Response and Infrastructure Accountability

In response to the tragedy, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has pledged to tighten measures regarding the release of funds for infrastructure projects. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stressed the importance of more meticulous planning and comprehensive engineering studies to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge, a 990-meter structure completed on February 1 at a cost of P1.225 billion, was intended to boost connectivity and facilitate transportation in Isabela. However, its sudden collapse has ignited pressing discussions on the integrity of public infrastructure and whether existing regulations are sufficient to keep up with the demands of modern transportation.

The Bigger Issue: Infrastructure Standards and Enforcement

This incident underscores the urgent need to revisit national infrastructure policies, particularly weight enforcement on bridges and highways. While engineers follow existing guidelines, the question remains: Are these guidelines enough to handle real-world conditions, where overloaded trucks often go unchecked?

As authorities investigate the root cause of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge’s collapse, one thing is clear—this is a wake-up call for stricter implementation of weight regulations, enhanced structural standards, and greater accountability in public works projects. Whether through updated policies or improved enforcement, ensuring the safety and reliability of Philippine infrastructure must be a top priority.

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