Super Typhoon Egay Wrecks Historic Quirino Bridge in Ilocos Sur

(SPOT.ph) Super typhoon Egay did not spare the Quirino Bridge when it passed over Ilocos Sur on Wednesday, July 26. Waters reached the bridge's main body, submerging the “One Ilocos Sur” text affixed to the nearly-century old structure. It seems it didn't take long for a portion of the old Quirino Bridge to give in to the raging waters of Abra River.

Amidst Ilocos Sur’s rich historical landscape, a potential loss looms over one of its most recognizable structures. Local residents woke up to this view earlier this morning:

Ilocos Sur suffered from Signal No. 2 gale-force winds in its northern and central portions before PAGASA lifted the storm warning on Thursday, July 27.

It’s not the first time the Quirino Bridge has been hit by a raging typhoon either. 2001’s Feria ravaged one of the bridge’s two steel spans, but was immediately reconstructed to become passable again.

Also read: What to Expect as Egay Intensifies Into a Super Typhoon

What’s so important about the Quirino Bridge?

It's important to note that there are two Quirino Bridges—the old version and the new version. We'll get to that in a bit.

The old Quirino Bridge holds significant historical importance in Ilocos Sur. Built in 1931 during the American colonial period, the 456-meter arch bridge spans the Abra River, connecting the towns of Bantay and Santa back when no other links existed. Its construction played a vital role in boosting transportation and trade routes in the region, fostering economic growth by making the movement of goods, people, and services to the hard north much easier. 

Notably, it survived the bombings of World War II.

What adds to its significance is the bridge's association with President Elpidio Quirino, the sixth president of the Philippines who was a native of Ilocos Sur. Naming the bridge after him cements his contributions to the region and the nation as a whole.

Although the old Quirino bridge was reconstructed following typhoon Feria, it was no longer as reliable as it used to be. This prompted a local construction company to build a new one in 2007, which was placed parallel to the Quirino Bridge.

Since then, the old Quirino Bridge has been preserved as a tourist attraction, hence the giant "One Ilocos Sur" text. You might have even passed by and taken a ride on the zipline across the river nearby during a trip up north. 

Also read: Cebu-Cordova Bridge: What You Need to Know About the Mega Structure