La union: The newly widened Luzong Sur Bridge and San Blas Bridge along Manila North Road in Bangar, La Union, are set to significantly reduce travel time and improve access for motorists and residents in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Luzong Sur Bridge project was funded with PHP27.8 million from the General Appropriations Act of 2025. Department of Education (DepEd) Division Engineer of Schools Division of La Union, Jerwin Flores, stated that the project has widened the bridge, providing safer travel conditions, particularly for students from northern La Union. Flores emphasized that the construction enhances connectivity and accessibility, thus aiding regular and safe school attendance and supporting community development by facilitating the movement of people and goods.

The San Blas Bridge received funding of PHP19.5 million, which covered the construction of a four-lane single-span flat slab bridge and necessary slope protection structures. Flores highlighted that the primary objective was to improve the hydraulic capacity of the cross-drainage systems along the Manila North Road. Additionally, the bridge aims to alleviate flooding and optimize traffic flow by expanding the highway's capacity.

The upgraded roadway infrastructure of the San Blas Bridge accommodates four lanes and includes improvements in drainage capacity and highway expansion. This benefits nearby institutions, such as the Do±a Francisca Lacsamana de Ortega Memorial National High School, by enhancing accessibility and infrastructure.

DepEd Undersecretary Mel John Versoza, along with officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways and provincial and local government units, inspected the newly widened bridges on Wednesday morning.