Newly opened bridge in Bohol closed after approach collapsed

Authorities have temporarily closed Bato Bridge in Barangay Cabawan, Maribojoc, in Bohol after a portion of its approach collapsed, rendering the structure unsafe for vehicular traffic. PDI photo | Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol— A newly constructed bridge in Maribojoc town, Bohol, has been temporarily closed to vehicular traffic after a portion of its approach collapsed, disrupting transportation and affecting residents and businesses in the area.

The incident occurred at Bato Bridge in Barangay Cabawan on Tuesday morning when the limestone fill serving as the bridge’s access road gave way after the soil beneath it eroded and subsided.

Maribojoc is 14 km from the capital city of Tagbilaran. Article continues after this advertisement

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The bridge, which was completed and opened to traffic in late 2025, was built to improve connectivity between communities in western Bohol.

Residents said the bridge was constructed on soft soil, which may have affected the approach section. Heavy rains and persistent flooding in recent months reportedly weakened the ground, causing the approach slab and its supporting earth foundation to sink and collapse.

Cracks had already been visible on portions of the bridge days before the collapse, raising concerns among residents.

Authorities are still conducting an assessment to determine the exact cause of the structural failure and the extent of the damage.

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The closure has forced residents to walk approximately half a kilometer from the national highway before reaching the damaged bridge. Many pedestrians have been crossing through the side of the structure to reach the other end.

Grace, a resident whose surname was withheld upon request, said the bridge closure has disrupted her mineral water delivery business.

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