Marcos to open Aparri-Camalaniugan Bridge in Cagayan
By Freddie Lazaro and Liezle Basa Iñigo
Aparri-Camalaniugan Mega Bridge
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will lead the inauguration of the Aparri-Camalaniugan Mega Bridge in Camalaniugan, Cagayan on Thursday, Jan. 8.
Engr. Mathias Malenab, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Region 2 chief, said Marcos will be accompanied by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.
Malenab said the bridge will be open to all types of vehicles after the inauguration.
A load testing was conducted on Monday, Jan. 5, to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the bridge.
The load testing was initiated and carried out by project contractor Hunan Road and Bridge Construction Co. Ltd.
Malenab noted that load testing is a critical process in determining a bridge’s capacity to safely carry vehicular traffic, adding that such tests are not usually conducted once design and construction phases are completed.
During the test, eight 10-wheel trucks loaded with gravel and sand—each weighing approximately 40 tons—were driven simultaneously across the bridge. Sensor devices were also installed to monitor the structure’s response to the load and vehicle movement.
Marcos inspected the bridge last year and commended its quality and proper construction.
The bridge was initiated and constructed during the term of Gov. Manuel Mamba, now vice governor of Cagayan. It forms part of his Five Bridges Program under the Cagayan Development Agenda (CAGANDA 2025) and was funded by the DPWH during the tenure of Secretary now Sen. Mark Villar.
The bridge spans a total length of 2.16 kilometers and has a maximum load capacity of 45 tons. It is expected to significantly improve connectivity and ease travel for residents of Cagayan’s first and second districts.