Goodbye, Boats: Cars Can Cross Pigalo Bridge in Isabela Again

The Pigalo Bridge, which was once devastated by Typhoons Pedring and Quiel last 2011, has finally been completed and is now accessible to the public. Since it was destroyed, the bridge has become a burden and a threat. 

While the old structure can still be accessed by motorcycles and bicycles, it is dangerous. Students who attend the nearby Isabela State University in Echague, for instance, have no access to public transportation.

Residents of Isabela have grown accustomed to using small boats to transport people and goods across the Cagayan River. However, during rainy season, boats are prohibited, hindering further the livelihood in the area. 

Today, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar led the formal inauguration of the new Pigalo Mega Bridge project, which crosses Cagayan River and serves as a vital link between the municipalities of Angadanan and San Guillermo, and other municipalities in the Province of Isabela.

It replaces the old dilapidated overflow structure, which posed a danger to motorists and pedestrians for at least eight years.

The Pigalo Bridge, which has been reclassified as a national bridge, is a 450-meter-long bridge with 250-meter approaches on each side and a 7.32-meter carriageway. To secure access of pedestrians, sidewalks with concrete railings are also included in the structure.

The project which started in April 10, 2017 was completed in time of its original schedule.

With the opening of the Pigalo Bridge, travel time between the Barangays of Angadanan and San Guillermo will be shortened by 30 minutes, thus promoting faster and easier transport of goods and services. It also establishes access of San Guillermo, Echague and San Mateo in Isabela to Tuguegarao City and Manila via Daang Maharlika and Junction Angadanan.