The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the damaged asphalt pavement at the Panguil Bay Bridge has been repaired.

Several netizens posted on social media photos and videos of the damaged road at the bridge, which was opened more than two months ago.

DPWH said the damage was confined only to the asphalt pavement on some sections of the road and it did not affect the structural integrity of the bridge.

The contractor started repair works after it was directed to replace the damaged asphalt pavement.

DPWH blamed the damage on overloaded trucks that crossed the bridge and the torrential rains.

DPWH said trucks exceeding the 30-ton capacity of the bridge had been crossing before controls were enforced following the opening on September 27, 2024.

Portable weighing scales have been installed at both ends of the bridge to prevent further damage.

A two-way traffic was also implemented temporarily from Tubod, Lanao del Norte to Tangub City, Misamis Occidental direction while repair works were made.

“To ensure long-term quality, the DPWH has directed the contractor to prepare and submit a comprehensive repair plan. This plan includes a revised asphalt mix design and waterproofing measures to support the full end-to-end full upgrading of the asphalt pavement,” DPWH said.

The 3.17-kilometer bridge is the longest water-spanning bridge in Mindanao that connects the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental.