Construction has started on a long-awaited bridge that will connect Dagupan City’s center to its island barangays.

Backfilling operations are in full swing at Pantal River, where the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is building the Calmay Bridge.

Mayor Belen Fernandez expressed excitement over the project’s progress.

"Second term ko pa lang as mayor, napag-usapan na namin ito, and finally, after so many years it came to reality," she said.

Currently, residents from the island barangays rely on boats to travel to the city center or take a longer land route that passes through Binmaley.

"It will be more convenient, hindi na ma-ta-traffic ang mga kababayan natin. Ngayon, before ka makapunta sa city, traffic na sa Binmaley," Fernandez added.

The Calmay Bridge is part of the by-pass diversion road connecting Pangasinan and Zambales to the De Venecia Highway Extension.

The project, funded with P1.8 billion, is expected to be completed by 2026.

For residents, the bridge promises significant relief.

"Hindi na kami mahihirapan," Trisha Gonzales, a resident, said.

The local government assured boat operators in the city will not lose their livelihoods once the bridge is completed.