The 70-year-old Cabu Steel Bridge along the Nueva Ecija-Aurora Road in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija was reopened on Thursday after undergoing repair, but only for light vehicles.

Renato L. Liwag, district maintenance engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office, said only single motorcycles, tricycles, four-wheeled cars, buses and light loaded six-wheeler trucks are allowed to cross the bridge.

Liwag said reinforced concrete pipes were placed at the approach of the bridge in order to prevent the entry of heavy loaded trucks, trailer trucks, double I-beam trucks and other large vehicles.

The Cabu Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic last May 7 to allow the repair of its damaged deck slab.

Liwag said only minor repairs may be conducted to preserve the structure and its historical value.

Meanwhile, Engineer Eduardo V. De Guzman, caretaker of the Office of the District Engineer, acknowledged the importance of the reopening of the bridge since it is the shortest way going to Palayan City and other municipalities in the eastern part of Nueva Ecija.

“In order to avoid the constant repair of the old bridge and ensure the unhampered traffic flow, our office already proposed the construction of a parallel bridge that will become an alternative bridge, thus, preserving the historical Cabu Bridge,” De Guzman said.

Cabu bridge links Palayan City and the municipalities of Laur, Gabaldon, Bongabon, General Natividad of Nueva Ecija and Dingalan in Aurora. (PNA)