San Juanico Bridge Partial Closure Sparks Regional Crisis
The ongoing crisis in Samar due to the San Juanico Bridge partial closure has prompted urgent action from government agencies. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) convened the Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (IACC) on May 23 to address the economic and social challenges caused by the bridge’s limited load capacity and structural concerns. This key four-word phrase, “San Juanico Bridge partial closure,” underscores the focus of the meeting.
OCD Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno led the session at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Operations Center in Quezon City. Representatives from various agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority, regional civil defense offices, and Samar’s provincial government, joined the discussion.
Traffic and Port Challenges Following Bridge Restrictions
Since the partial closure last week, traffic congestion has shifted from the San Juanico Bridge to the nearby ports. According to reports from the OCD Eastern Visayas, while the bridge traffic has been cleared, ports have yet to fully accommodate the surge in cargo volume. Available vessels are ready, but port facilities are currently undersized to handle the increased load effectively.
To address this, the DPWH and Philippine Ports Authority proposed interim maritime routes and port enhancements. These include routes through Carigara, Catbalogan, Maguino-o, Tolosa, and Osmeña to support heavier vehicles and maintain the flow of goods across the affected areas. Long-term efforts focus on retrofitting girders, replacing slabs, and reinforcing the bridge structure over a one- to two-year timeline.
Structural Concerns and Immediate Responses
The San Juanico Bridge was partially closed after the DPWH imposed a three-ton weight limit on May 14 due to worsening structural conditions. This prompted the declaration of a state of emergency across Samar province. The bridge, a vital part of the Maharlika Highway, facilitates daily travel for over 14,000 vehicles, including nearly 1,400 heavy vehicles.
Engineering inspections revealed extensive corrosion, bent steel components, and weakened connections. Immediate measures include limiting vehicle weights, managing one-way traffic for lighter vehicles, and deploying barges to transport heavy cargo.
Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan highlighted the challenges, stating, “The footing of the San Juanico Bridge must still be checked to see if it is still in good condition. But, according to DPWH and technical staff in the region, the ground is likely unsuitable. While ports like Amandayehan are available, they are currently undersized for our needs. We are seeking to leverage the State of Emergency Declaration to speed up funding for its development, since we expect to use it for the next two years or more.”
Coordinated Efforts to Manage Fuel and Logistics
The Department of Energy is coordinating fuel supplies in Samar and will work closely with OCD Eastern Visayas to prioritize tanker trucks carrying food and essential goods through roll on/roll off services. They also collaborate with the Philippine Institute of Petroleum to monitor vessel charters.
Meanwhile, Babatngon Port in Leyte remains unprepared for full operations but is being readied to support future logistical demands. Nepomuceno announced plans to establish a Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell led by OCD-8. This group aims to unify government resources and responses to meet the transportation and supply needs of Samar residents during this crisis.
Planning Alternative Routes and Ensuring Humanitarian Access
The newly formed inter-agency cell will oversee the planning and execution of alternative routes to bypass restrictions caused by the bridge’s condition. Short-term strategies involve opening additional ports and determining the most reliable land, sea, and air routes. They also plan to create a priority humanitarian lane to ensure vital goods reach affected communities promptly.
Nepomuceno further instructed OCD-8 to fast-track approvals for trip permits with the Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Ports Authority, and Philippine Coast Guard. Additionally, OCD-8 is tasked with preparing a detailed concept paper to guide coordination and planning efforts, especially with the rainy season approaching. This document is due by May 26, while an initial plan was expected by May 23.
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