MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is racing against time to complete a temporary bailey bridge at the collapsed Callawa Bridge 2 in Davao City to immediately restore safe passage for motorists, commuters, and residents.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said on Thursday that construction crews have been working continuously following the collapse of the bridge on May 19, 2026 which severely disrupted transportation and daily activities in the area.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the DPWH to fast-track the repair and rehabilitation of the damaged infrastructure to ease the hardship being experienced by affected communities.
Residents were forced to cross the river manually and climb using ropes after the bridge gave way, highlighting the urgent need for an alternative route.
The temporary bailey bridge is expected to serve as an emergency crossing while authorities prepare for the full reconstruction of the damaged structure.
A bailey bridge is a portable, pre-fabricated steel bridge designed for rapid deployment during emergencies, disasters, and wartime operations. It can be assembled quickly and is commonly used when permanent bridges become impassable.
According to Dizon, the temporary structure is being designed to safely accommodate light vehicles, emergency responders, delivery trucks, and pedestrians.
The DPWH chief said that authorities have also deployed personnel in the area to assist residents and monitor safety while construction activities continue.
The collapse of Callawa Bridge 2 disrupted the movement of goods and people in several communities, affecting workers, students, and small businesses dependent on the route.
"Initial assessments indicated that structural damage and continuous heavy use may have contributed to the bridge failure, although a full technical investigation is still ongoing," added Dizon.
