Batangas City to Get New 4-Lane Bridge to Replace Aging "Bridge of Promise"

Getting stuck in traffic between Barangay Kumintang Ibaba and Barangay Gulod Labac has become a daily routine for many drivers in Batangas City. For seventeen years, the Bridge of Promise has carried thousands of vehicles despite being a temporary fix from the start. On Monday, February 23, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) finally confirmed that this old crossing is due for a complete replacement.

The bridge was built in 2009 and was never intended to last this long. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon inspected the site recently and pointed out that the structure is now showing clear signs of deterioration. Locals often call it "pansamantagal"—a mix of the words for temporary and long-term—because a stopgap solution has been used for nearly two decades.

DPWH bridge replacement project in Batangas City

^{Image credit: Department of Public Works and Highways Facebook}

To address these safety concerns, the government is moving forward with a plan to build a much stronger version of the bridge. This decision follows a direct order from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to replace the current structure entirely. Instead of simply patching up the old materials, the agency will build a new foundation that can handle the daily grind of city traffic.

The project is not just about repairs; it also focuses on increasing road capacity. The DPWH has requested 300 million pesos in the 2027 budget to fund the construction and expansion. This budget will allow the agency to double the size of the crossing, turning the current two-lane road into a four-lane bridge.

Benefits of the 300 million peso bridge expansion

^{Image credit: Department of Public Works and Highways Facebook}

This upgrade is expected to ease the heavy congestion that builds up during rush hour in Batangas. By adding two extra lanes, the government aims to provide a more permanent solution for commuters who have dealt with narrow lanes for years. The goal is to move more vehicles across the river at a faster pace while ensuring the bridge meets modern safety standards.

For residents who rely on this route every day, the project offers a bit of light at the end of a long, "temporary" tunnel. While the 2027 funding is the next big step, the DPWH will continue to monitor the existing bridge to keep it passable for the public in the meantime.

This new construction is a practical move to improve the cost of living and travel efficiency for Filipinos in the province. With a stronger, four-lane structure, the Bridge of Promise should finally live up to its name by providing a reliable connection for the local community.

^{Featured image credit: Department of Public Works and Highways Facebook}