THE Cebu City Government has imposed a temporary ban on trucks with six wheels or more from crossing the Bacayan Bridge following a directive from Mayor Nestor Archival.
According to a traffic advisory issued on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, the ban was implemented after an engineering team noted signs of structural damage in the aftermath of typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi).
The ban will take effect until further notice to prevent further deterioration of the bridge and to ensure public safety.
Archival earlier disclosed that the Bacayan bridge, which links Barangays Bacayan and Talamban, had developed visible cracks and a noticeable shift in its alignment.
“Nabilikil na ang bridge. Naa’y gamay nga deviation, mouyog na. I’m afraid nga if di ni maatiman, dili nato mapada ang basura didto (The bridge is already damaged. There’s a small deviation, it’s shaking now. I’m afraid that if this isn’t taken care of, we won’t be able to bring the garbage there),” Archival said.
The Bacayan–Talamban Bridge is considered one of the city’s most critical transport routes, serving as the main passage for garbage trucks hauling about 600 metric tons of waste daily to the Binaliw landfill.
It also connects several subdivisions and provides access to hospitals, schools, and businesses in northern Cebu City.
Archival warned that if the bridge becomes impassable, it could paralyze the city’s garbage collection operations and disrupt access to northern barangays.
He said the Department of Public Works and Highways has been requested to install a temporary shoe ring or structural support to stabilize the bridge while awaiting long-term rehabilitation plans.
Alternate route
To sustain city operations, the Department of Engineering and Public Works has cleared an alternative route for trucks and essential vehicles starting 12:00 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12.
The diversion route will pass Tigbao, Talamban toward Barangays San Jose and Pulangbato, and vice versa.
The Cebu City Traffic Office will deploy traffic personnel in critical diversion points to guide truck drivers and ensure smooth passage during the initial phase of rerouting.
“Traffic gyud ni, pero antos ta gamay. Kay kung dili, mag-antos gyud ta ani (“Traffic is going to be tough, but let’s endure it for a bit. If we don’t, it’ll be even worse for us),” said Archival.
The Philippine Army has been tapped to assist in clearing the large volume of debris beneath the bridge, believed to have accumulated during the recent typhoon. The debris buildup has blocked portions of the waterway further endangering the bridge’s stability.
Meanwhile, Archival said several mountain barangays remain isolated due to damaged bridges and roads, including Lusaran and Buot-Taup, where rehabilitation has yet to begin.
A bridge near Binaliw, however, has been reopened to allow vehicles to pass from north to south.
Motorists are urged to plan their trips ahead, follow traffic advisories, and cooperate with authorities while assessment and clearing operations continue. / CAV