The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured the public that the Tuguegarao-Enrile Diversion Road project remains safe and stable despite the collapse of a retaining wall in Barangay Alibago, Enrile, Cagayan.
In a statement, the DPWH-Cagayan 3rd District Engineering Office (DPWH-CTDEO) said the collapse on Dec. 4, caused by heavy rains, typhoons, and an earthquake, affected only the upper portion of the wall and did not compromise the integrity of the overpass bridge.
Part of the DPWH's Network Development Program, the Tuguegarao-Enrile Diversion Road is an 8-kilometer alternate route aimed at easing traffic at Buntun Bridge.
Phase 1 of the project, completed in December 2023 with a budget of P91.4 million, includes a 620-meter road opening and a 20-meter overpass bridge, though the structure remains unopened due to unfinished approaches.
The collapse was attributed to embankment saturation resulting from the absence of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) and other structures, which are planned for funding in 2025.
Officials noted that the damage was limited to minor plastering and cracks on the wing wall sidewalk, which is separate from the main bridge structure.
Under the defects liability period, the contractor has committed to repairing the wall at no additional cost to the government once weather conditions improve.