SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — A newly inaugurated 50-meter bridge in Barangay Mangaan, Santol, La Union is expected to improve accessibility and spur economic activity between the Ilocos Region and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Launched on Feb. 14 by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Ilocos Region, this infrastructure is a key component of the Santol-San Gabriel-Kapangan Road project.
Spanning 50 meters, the bridge consists of three segments: two 15-meter spans and one 20-meter span, complemented by paved concrete approaches measuring 52.40 meters (Approach A) and 83.40 meters (Approach B).
Construction began on March 3, 2023, and took nearly two years to complete.
The bridge is one of three key structures supporting the 42-kilometer road project, alongside a proposed 20.9-meter bridge in Lettac Sur, Santol town and a 34.5-meter bridge in Lon-oy, San Gabriel town.
Boosting livelihood, accessibility
Upon completion in 2027, it is expected to reduce travel time between Santol, La Union, and Kapangan, Benguet—from an overnight journey to just three hours.
As of Jan. 31, the Santol-San Gabriel-Kapangan Road project is 72.24 percent complete based on released funding and 52.06 percent based on total project cost. To date, P980 million has been allocated out of the total P1.36 billion budget.
Project Engineer Vilma Gaston of DPWH Ilocos Region emphasized the department’s commitment to completing the project despite logistical challenges.
“We take this project one-step at a time until we complete this for the betterment of our locals and tourists here,” she said.
Barangay Mangaan chairman Rodrigo Puclay meanwhile expressed his gratitude for this road project.
“This is such a good help for us. The transaction of products from different areas will be expedited, and it will also improve things for the locals,” he said.
The project, implemented under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Build Better More (BBM) Program, aligns with the government’s goal of accelerating infrastructure development to create jobs, promote regional connectivity, and drive economic growth.
Once fully operational, the road will serve as a vital link between Ilocos and CAR, representing a step toward inclusive development, where remote communities gain better access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. (PIA Region 1)
