Isabela begins P712-M bridge construction

By Freddie G. Lazaro

ILAGAN, Isabela— The construction of a P712-million bridge project linking the progressive municipality of Ilagan with western towns of the province officially started last week, the Department of Public Works and Highways said.

Ilagan town is a center for economic activity and hosts the noted education and medical institutions catering to the eastern and western parts of Isabela.

Engineer Renato Ubina, head of the DPWH’s 1st Engineering District in Isabela province, said the project replaces the existing overflow bridge, crossing the Cagayan River to an all-weather bridge to the western towns of Isabela.

To be called the Lulutan Bridge, the project will be constructed between barangays Calamagui 1st and Lulutan, both in Ilagan, with an approximate distance of 2 kilometers from the town proper.

“The Lulutan Bridge project, which will be finished or constructed within three years as programmed by the DPWH, will no longer be an overflow bridge but a regular or all-weather bridge linking Ilagan town with the western towns of the Isabela province,” said Ubina.
He said the Lulutan Bridge was destroyed by strong typhoons that battered the province in the last few years.

In order to travel to Ilagan, residents from the western towns of Isabela have to use motorized bancas traversing the Cagayan River.

“With the construction of the 500.5 linear-meter length Lulutan Bridge, this will connect the western Ilagan barangays and western Isabela towns making it easier for the residents to transport their agricultural products,” Ubina said.