Pulangbato Bridge now open, but only to motorcycles

CEBU, Philippines — The Pulangbato Bridge in Cebu City, damaged during Typhoon Odette in 2021 and delayed by failed contracts, was declared now 90% complete and has been opened for limited use by motorcycles.

Mayor Nestor Archival said full access will follow once construction is finished, stressing the bridge’s importance as a lifeline for upland barangays.

Archival announced that the opening of the bridge, in Sitio Candarong, Barangay Pulangbato, to motorcycles after consultations with the City Engineering Office.

The decision came in response to a formal request from Barangay Captain John Barry Miñoza, who appealed for access to prevent residents from risking dangerous crossings of the river, especially during heavy rains.

Archival said engineers confirmed the bridge had passed its capacity test, but stressed that four-wheel vehicles remain barred to avoid disrupting ongoing work and ensure safety.

The bridge has been one of the city’s most delayed infrastructure projects.

The original steel structure was destroyed by Typhoon Odette in December 2021, leaving residents again dependent on a bamboo footbridge and improvised river crossings that became treacherous during downpours.

An initial ?24-million contract awarded in 2023 to SBD Builders Inc. stalled after the firm delivered only 36% of the work, prompting the City Council to terminate the contract and declare a state of emergency in Pulangbato in 2024.

The delays forced residents to endure unsafe routes for nearly two years, with barangay officials citing “negative slippage” in construction progress.

Following rebidding, a new contractor, SJ Bonifacio Builders, was tapped in August 2025 under a ?27-million contract, with Archival directing them to work double time --even 24 hours a day-- to finish the reinforced deck girder bridge before Christmas. But this was still missed due to some unforeseen circumstances and natural disasters.

Additional funding was also approved to cover rising material costs.

Archival vowed to closely monitor the project to prevent further setbacks, noting that the bridge is vital for connecting Pulangbato to upland barangays Pit-os, Guba, Agsungot, Lusaran, and Sirao.

He emphasized that the partial opening is a compromise to address residents’ immediate needs while ensuring construction safety.

“Uwan, kuyaw sila motabok… nanghid tas engineering na pwede na paagian,” Archival said, explaining that motorcycles can now cross without disrupting the remaining works.

He personally signaled the opening of the Pulangbato Bridge to motorcycles when he crossed it himself over the weekend, riding pillion to test the structure and signal its readiness for limited use.

Miñoza welcomed the development, expressing hope the bridge will soon be fully opened to all vehicles.

The completion of the bridge is expected to significantly ease travel, reduce accident risks, and strengthen connectivity between mountain barangays and the city center. — (FREEMAN)