MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started building a temporary Bailey bridge to restore access following the collapse of Agana Bridge in Tarlac City.

The DPWH said Monday that heavy equipment and construction materials had arrived at the site, a day after the bridge collapsed amid continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat.

A Bailey bridge is a portable, prefabricated structure that can be assembled quickly and used as a temporary crossing while permanent repairs are underway.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the project must be fast-tracked because the bridge collapse disrupted access to Tarlac City, leaving Gerona as the available alternative route.

The temporary bridge is expected to reconnect Tarlac City with nearby areas while authorities assess the damage and prepare a permanent solution.

Agana Bridge was the second bridge in the area to collapse in recent days. Aquino Bridge gave way Friday due to continuous monsoon rains and the strong current of the Tarlac River.

Engineers from Manila were also deployed to determine whether immediate repairs could make Aquino Bridge passable to light vehicles.

The repair efforts follow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate the government’s response to infrastructure damaged by severe weather.

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