TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bohol 1st District Engineering Office (DPWH-B1DEO) has assured the public that Bato Bridge in Barangay Cabawan in Maribojoc town remains structurally safe despite the collapse of a portion of its approach, which forced authorities to temporarily close the bridge to vehicular traffic.
In an official statement issued Friday, the DPWH-Central Visayas said it immediately mobilized heavy equipment and maintenance personnel to address the bridge approach settlement and deployed a technical team to assess the affected area.
READ: Newly-opened bridge in Bohol closed after approach collapsed
Based on the initial evaluation, engineers found that the bridge structure itself did not sustain any structural damage.
“Access to the bridge has been temporarily closed to all traffic to allow emergency repair works on the affected bridge approaches,” the agency said.
The bridge was closed after a section of its approach collapsed early Tuesday morning. Initial findings indicated that the limestone fill serving as the bridge’s access road gave way after the underlying soil eroded and subsided.
The bridge, completed and opened to traffic in late 2025, was built to improve connectivity among communities in western Bohol.
Residents said the bridge was constructed on soft soil, which may have contributed to the failure of the approach section. They also noted that heavy rains and persistent flooding in recent months may have weakened the ground beneath the structure, causing the approach slab and its supporting earth foundation to sink and eventually collapse.
Some residents reported seeing cracks on portions of the bridge approach days before the incident, raising concerns about its condition.
DPWH-B1DEO said it is working closely with the project contractor to carry out round-the-clock repair operations.
The repair work includes the removal and replacement of damaged slope protection structures and bridge link slabs to restore safe passage for motorists and residents.
The agency emphasized that all repair works will be undertaken and financed entirely by the project contractor, with no additional cost to the government.
“We assure the public that restoration efforts are being expedited. Further updates will be provided as developments arise. We respectfully ask for your patience, understanding, and cooperation while repair works are underway,” the DPWH said.
The bridge closure has disrupted daily travel in the area. Residents have been forced to walk approximately half a kilometer from the national highway to reach the damaged section, with many crossing along the side of the bridge to get to the other end.
Motorists have been advised to take alternative routes while repair and assessment activities continue.
No injuries were reported in connection with the collapse. /jpv
