San Juanico Bridge Inspection Urgently Needed Every Three Years
President Marcos emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough inspection of the San Juanico Bridge every three years. He pointed out that neglecting this routine has allowed the 52-year-old bridge to deteriorate severely. “Yung tulay maganda pang tingnan if you look at it from outside, pero ito yung ilalim kalawang na lahat,” he said, describing how the bridge looks fine from above but is heavily rusted underneath.
During a recent inspection, officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) found the bridge’s condition to be critical, with risks of potential collapse. Marcos acknowledged, “Ika nila delikado na itong tulay na ito, hindi namin akalain na ganito kasama,” expressing surprise at the extent of the damage.
Maintenance Failures and Sudden Closure Explained
The President suspects that the bridge’s upkeep was not done properly in previous years. “Dahi siguro, hindi namin malaman, hindi ginawa nang mabuti ang maintenance ng tulay. Dapat ‘yan every three years, binabalik-balikan,” he explained, stressing the need for regular upkeep. Local residents reportedly confirmed that inspections were likely skipped, contributing to the bridge’s degraded state.
Because of its worsening condition, authorities had no choice but to close the bridge abruptly. Marcos said, “We asked the locals, the people, if it was done every three years, it looks like it was not, that is why it has reached such a bad state. So, we were compelled to close this, that is why it was this sudden.”
Mitigating Disruptions Through Alternative Transport
While the bridge undergoes rehabilitation, the government plans to minimize disruptions to traffic and essential goods. To address this, cargo ships will ferry about 500 trucks daily between Samar and Leyte. The Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, has been identified as a key alternative route due to its strategic location near Tacloban Port.
Marcos detailed the strategy, “Ang ginagawa namin, ang kapalit ay itong RORO (roll on, roll off) na ganito. Ito pang tatlumpu na truck, may darating na pang 40 trucks, merong pang 50 trucks. Tapos itong rampang ito, dodoblehin natin, lalagay pa tayo dun ng isa pa, para double, mga 500 trucks a day. Tapos mag-uumpisa na tayo ng night navigation, ibig sabihin kahit gabi pwedeng tumawid.” This means ships will operate even at night, doubling the ramp capacity to ease traffic flow.
Government Response and Funding for Repairs
This visit came shortly after DPWH imposed a three-ton weight limit on the San Juanico Bridge due to its critical state. The restriction halted heavy cargo vehicles, affecting deliveries of basic goods in Eastern Visayas.
The Philippine Ports Authority has allocated ₱400 million from its Corporate Operating Budget to expand and modernize Samar’s key ports. These improvements aim to provide viable alternative routes for transportation to Leyte.
Furthermore, President Marcos signed Proclamation No. 920, declaring a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas. This measure helps hasten the bridge’s repair and rehabilitation, reducing the impact on residents in Samar and Leyte.
For more news and updates on San Juanico Bridge inspection, visit Filipinokami.com.