San Juanico Bridge Rehabilitation Speeds Up
TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Eastern Visayas has committed to completing the San Juanico Bridge rehabilitation by December 2025. This accelerated effort aims to increase the bridge’s load capacity to 15 tons, allowing heavier vehicles to cross safely.
DPWH Regional Director Edgar Tabacon said the government’s urgency follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expedite the project. The iconic 2.16-kilometer bridge linking Samar and Leyte provinces is a critical transportation and economic artery in the region. “We will move heaven and earth just to complete the retrofitting at the San Juanico Bridge on or before December this year,” Tabacon said.
Currently, a three-ton load limit restricts traffic to only light vehicles such as cars, vans, and motorcycles. This limitation has disrupted trade and commerce, prompting the government to find immediate solutions.
Preparations and Funding for Rehabilitation
Preparatory work is already underway. The DPWH has started installing portal shoring, a steel frame and scaffolding system that temporarily supports the bridge during construction. To facilitate the rehabilitation, the agency plans to rent barges from Cebu to ensure efficient access and staging.
However, full-scale retrofitting will begin once the ₱520-million budget is released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. President Marcos Jr. has ordered the DPWH and the Department of Budget and Management to prioritize funding release to avoid delays.
During his July 7 visit to Palo, Leyte, the President emphasized the economic importance of completing the San Juanico Bridge rehabilitation on schedule. He highlighted that the project is part of the national government’s commitment to restoring the bridge’s integrity. The structure was inaugurated in 1973 during his father’s administration.
Economic Impact and Mitigation Measures
The three-ton load limit took effect on May 14 after a DPWH safety assessment, effectively banning cargo trucks from crossing. This restriction has severely affected supply chains and the Samar economy, which depends heavily on trade with Leyte and neighboring areas.
To reduce the impact, the government deployed roll-on/roll-off vessels to ferry cargo trucks between Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, and Tacloban Port in Leyte. A “libreng sakay” (free ride) program also supports affected transport operators during this period.
Due to the escalating challenges, the President declared a state of calamity in Eastern Visayas on June 5. This declaration facilitates faster access to emergency infrastructure funds, ensuring the San Juanico Bridge rehabilitation proceeds without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
Local leaders noted, “We must act urgently to make the San Juanico Bridge safe and fully functional again.” For more news and updates on San Juanico Bridge rehabilitation, visit Filipinokami.com.
