SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) inaugurated and opened the ₱44-million Upper Binictican Bridge at the Binictican area on May 15, replacing an old structure that was built by the American military in the 1960s when this Freeport was still a US naval base.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said the old bridge, which connects the residential area of Binictican to the rest of the Freeport, had served motorists here for more than 60 years and had to be replaced. 

He pointed out that a structural investigation has revealed the old bridge was already in an advanced stage of deterioration due to long-term structural damage. 

A few years back, the SBMA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the construction of a new bridge to replace the American-era structure.

The SBMA’s Office of the Deputy Administrator (ODA) for Public Works and Technical Services Group (PWTSG) led the construction of the new bridge that was designed and supervised by the DPWH Bataan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO). 

PWTSG Deputy Administrator Engr. Marco Estabillo said that the construction commenced on May 8, 2024, and was completed by May 15, 2025. 

Estabillo said the new bridge is designed as a reinforced concrete deck girder (RCDG) bridge with a single span and two lanes. It is supported by reinforced concrete abutments and a mat/spread foundation due to the rocky/ boulder nature of the earth.

The old bridge measured 17.30m in length, 7.30m in width with no sidewalks. The new one is 22.80m in length, 7.32m in width, with 1.11m sidewalks on both sides, and is now higher by 1.20 meters to prevent log clogging and allow higher river water capacity absorption during typhoons. 

“Transition roads will be regraded and repaved with six meters of Portland cement with asphalt overlay and extensions,” Estabillo added.

The new bridge will now allow tourists to visit the Pamulaklakin Trail, one of the most visited areas of the Subic Bay Freeport. 