DPWH Announces Three-Week Retrofit Plan for Mancatian Bridge in Pampanga
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to retrofit the Mancatian Bridge located in Porac, Pampanga. This critical infrastructure project is scheduled to be completed within a tight three-week timeframe, aiming to guarantee the bridge's structural integrity and fully restore access for all motorists. According to DPWH Region III Director Arnold Ocampo, the retrofit will involve the application of advanced carbon fiber materials to reinforce the bridge's framework, ensuring it meets safety standards before reopening to all vehicle types.
Coordination Meeting Addresses Bridge Condition and Traffic Measures
The retrofit strategy and associated traffic management protocols were thoroughly discussed during a high-level coordination meeting. This gathering was spearheaded by Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda and included key stakeholders such as Mayor Trisha Angelie Capil, representatives from DPWH Region III, the Unified Project Management Office–Bridge Management Cluster, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region III, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
During the meeting, officials meticulously reviewed the current condition of the Mancatian Bridge, existing traffic restrictions, and proactive measures to minimize disruptions to transportation and essential services across the Pampanga region. The collaborative effort underscores a commitment to public safety and operational efficiency.
Immediate Traffic Restrictions and Future Management Plans
In response to ongoing safety assessments and technical evaluations, immediate traffic restrictions will be enforced. Starting April 17, 2026, only light vehicles with a maximum weight of 3,500 kilograms will be permitted to cross the bridge, as mandated by an executive order from the Porac local government. However, DPWH has clarified that the bridge will eventually reopen to Class 1 and Class 2 vehicles, with regulated traffic flow for vehicles featuring more than two axles to ensure stability and safety.
Authorities are actively considering additional traffic management strategies to mitigate inconvenience during the rehabilitation period. These potential measures include the establishment of a technical working group to oversee operations, augmentation of manpower to manage traffic flow, and a feasibility study for constructing a temporary access road. These steps are designed to maintain regional mobility and support the uninterrupted delivery of essential services while the bridge undergoes necessary upgrades.
