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San Juanico Bridge is closed to all vehicles exceeding the 3-ton axle load limit
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The restriction took effect recently and will last for nearly two years
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A P900-million rehabilitation program will address the bridge’s structural integrity
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12 roll-on/roll-off ports may be used as an alternate route
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The San Juanico Bridge is one of the longest along the Pan-Philippine Highway connecting Luzon and Mindanao
San Juanico Bridge is closed to all vehicles exceeding the 3-ton gross weight limit. The restriction, which took effect recently, makes way for a nearly two-year, P900-million rehabilitation to address the bridge’s structural integrity.
The 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge stretches from Samar to Leyte Island and is one of the longest bridges along the Pan-Philippine Highway connecting Luzon and Mindanao. It was built in August 1969 and completed in 1973.
Vehicles barred from the bridge may instead use roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ports, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 8. These Ro-Ro ports identified by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) include:
- Tacloban Port
- Calbayog Port
- Catbalogan Port
- Biliran Port
- Ormoc Port
- Manguinoo Port, Calbayog, Samar
- Hilongos Port
- Maasin Port
- Naval Port
- Palompon Port
- Calubian Port
- Villaba Port
PPA in a statement said it is coordinating with stakeholders to ensure smooth operations of the identified ports.
Land travelers from Samar are being advised to take a 15-minute boat ride from San Antonio village in Basey, Samar, to downtown Tacloban.
The temporary weight restriction complies with a May 8 memo issued by Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
“This measure is strictly enforced to ensure motorist safety, mitigate risks associated with identified damage, and facilitate essential repair and maintenance work,” DPWH Region 8 said.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tacloban-Leyte, Inc. president Eugene Tan in a radio interview warned of supply chain disruptions leading to possible shortages and higher prices of goods in the region due to the cost of freight using Ro-Ro vessels. He expressed hopes the repairs may be fast-tracked.
Blue alert
A Philippine News Agency report said the entire Eastern Visayas region has been placed under blue alert status on Friday (May 16) by the Regional Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) because of bridge repairs.
RDRRMC chairperson and Office of Civil Defense regional director Lord Byron Torrecarion on Friday said “all concerned agencies will mobilize resources to help those stranded. With this measure, we hope to normalize the situation within two weeks.”
Under the blue alert status, all regional response teams and assets must be on standby for possible deployment to areas affected by load limit restrictions. Agencies may use their respective quick response funds for the purpose.
