CAPIZ — The historic Capiz Bridge, also known as the Roxas City Bridge, is undergoing a P16.8-million retrofitting and rehabilitation project aimed at preserving its heritage while improving its structural integrity and ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
The project, being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), was initiated following concerns raised by local officials over structural deterioration in the bridge, which has served the community for more than a century.
Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas said the bridge’s condition has deteriorated over time due to aging and prolonged exposure to natural elements. He has been pushing for national government support for the project in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to build safer and more livable communities.
The rehabilitation will focus on strengthening the bridge’s structural components, particularly the underside where reinforcing steel bars have become exposed due to concrete deterioration.
Despite the upgrades, the DPWH assured that the bridge’s historical character will be preserved, with heritage features such as its balustrades remaining intact.
In a letter to Capiz First District Rep. Ivan Howard Guintu, the DPWH First District Engineering Office said the bridge’s structural deficiencies pose a significant safety risk to the thousands of motorists and pedestrians who use it daily.
Construction began on May 25 and is expected to be completed within 123 calendar days.
Originally built in 1841 using rocks and hardwood, the Capiz Bridge was later reconstructed with reinforced concrete during the American colonial period. It has since undergone several improvements, including the installation of decorative lamp posts and an interactive lighting system that highlights its architectural features and historical significance.
As one of Roxas City’s four major bridges spanning the Panay River, the Capiz Bridge remains a vital transportation link and a lasting symbol of the city’s heritage, resilience, and development./PN
