By Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao Bureau
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — For nearly seven decades, the Magsaysay Bridge in Butuan City has stood above the Agusan River as more than a passageway of steel and concrete. It has witnessed the transformation of Butuan—from a riverside settlement into a growing regional center in Northeastern Mindanao, carrying generations of workers, students, traders, and families across its span every day.
But the historic crossing must once again give way to repairs. After a brief reopening, the bridge will return to full closure after Sept. 30 as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues major rehabilitation works aimed at restoring its strength and extending its service life.
The Butuan City Public Information Office said two lanes of the bridge were temporarily reopened from Sept. 21 to 30 to ease disruption caused by ongoing construction. The temporary arrangement allowed light vehicles, public utility vehicles, motorcycles, delivery vehicles, and emergency responders to pass, while buses, trucks, and heavy vehicles continued to be redirected to alternative routes.
The reopening followed a series of traffic adjustments implemented since rehabilitation began, as the city tried to keep one of its busiest transport links usable while giving construction crews access to critical sections of the structure.
Historic bridge
Built in the 1950s during the administration of President Ramon Magsaysay, the bridge became one of the city’s defining landmarks. Stretching 126 meters across the Agusan River with a width of 7.32 meters, the steel truss structure helped support the movement of people, goods, and services that fueled Butuan’s growth.
For decades, Magsaysay Bridge formed part of the city’s daily rhythm—carrying commuters heading to work and school, traders transporting goods, emergency responders, and businesses dependent on a reliable connection across the river.
But after nearly 70 years of service, the bridge now requires extensive rehabilitation to address aging components, strengthen its structure, and prepare it for future demands.
The project is part of a broader P550-million multi-year rehabilitation program initiated in 2023to preserve and improve the bridge. The ongoing implementation phase is covered by a separate P192.4-million DPWH contract, which funds the active rehabilitation works currently being undertaken by DPWH Caraga.
According to DPWH Caraga Assistant Regional Director Engr. Vincent Roderick Acebes, the rehabilitation addresses the effects of aging, previous seismic events, and deterioration of key structural components.
The works include foundation modification, retrofitting of footings at Abutments A and B, bearing replacement, installation of expansion joints, structural steel strengthening, external post-tensioning, bored-pile works, sidewalk improvements, seismic devices, and repainting. The project is targeted for completion on Jan. 5, 2027.
Temporary detour
The bridge closure will bring changes not only for commuters but also for businesses and daily operations across Butuan.
During partial closures, the city allowed public utility jeepneys, UV Express vans, taxis, tricycles, motorelas, motorcycles, delivery riders, delivery vehicles, and emergency response units to cross under controlled conditions. However, buses, trucks, heavy equipment, and cargo vehicles exceeding the 15-ton limit were diverted to the Macapagal Bridge and other alternate crossings.
Once full closure begins after Sept. 30, even vehicles previously allowed to pass will need to use alternative routes, including the Tiniwisan–Macapagal Bridge and Mahay–Macapagal Bridge.
The closure was authorized through City Ordinance No. 7389-2026, covering an 83-day period excluding Sundays and holidays to accommodate rehabilitation activities.
The disruption may affect employee travel, customer access, supplier movement, and delivery schedules, although the extent will depend on traffic volume and route adjustments.
The city has not released updated figures on the number of daily vehicles and commuters using Magsaysay Bridge, but its importance as a transportation and economic link remains evident.
After decades of carrying Butuan’s growth, the bridge now enters another chapter—not of decline, but renewal. When rehabilitation is completed, the Magsaysay Bridge will continue its role as a connection between communities, commerce, and the city’s future.
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