Manila, Dec. 24 -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Wednesday said preparations are underway for the construction of a detour bridge for the collapsed Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela, Cagayan.

In a statement on Wednesday, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said clearing operations are being conducted before the start of the construction.

He said construction works would immediately start after the clearing operations, and they expect the project to be completed by March 2026.

Last week, Dizon led the inspection of the structure to determine the most effective solution for its immediate repair.

This followed the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to immediately complete clearing operations on the collaps...