TACLOBAN CITY – In a bid to ease worsening congestion and restore regional connectivity, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region is considering increasing the load limit of the San Juanico Bridge to 33 tons, a major jump from the initially proposed 12 tons.
Engr. Margarita Junia, DPWH assistant regional director, said they have requested their engineering consultant, Angel Lazaro and Associates International, to assess the feasibility of the higher capacity.
“The initial plan, as mentioned by Secretary [Manuel] Bonoan, was to raise the load capacity to 12 tons. But this week, we also asked our consultant to compute for a 33-ton capacity,” Junia said in an online interview.
The iconic 2.16-kilometer bridge has been operating under a 3-ton limit since May 15, following structural concerns flagged by the consultancy firm. The partial closure of the 52-year-old structure has caused significant logistical disruptions, particularly to cargo deliveries and public transport.
If approved, the 33-ton load limit would accommodate larger vehicles such as buses, trucks, SUVs, and other commercial transport, helping decongest alternate routes and restore the bridge’s full logistical function.
Junia said the agency is still waiting for the retrofitting design from the consultant based on the revised capacity. However, no timeline for construction can be set yet, as the national government has yet to release the needed funds.
DPWH earlier pegged the cost of immediate repairs at P1.2 billion, while full rehabilitation could reach P5.68 billion.
The San Juanico Bridge, also known as Imelda Bridge, is a vital link between Leyte and Samar, used by over 14,000 vehicles daily, including more than 1,400 cargo trucks—the group most affected by the restrictions.
The load limit has already disrupted the delivery of fuel and essential goods to Samar provinces.
In response, Tacloban City and the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar have declared a state of emergency to address the growing economic and logistical challenges caused by the restricted bridge access.
(JOEY A. GABIETA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
