TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Biliran District Engineering Office announced that the rehabilitation of the Biliran Bridge, the lone link between the island province and mainland Leyte, is on track for substantial completion by July 2025.
The P28.9-million rehabilitation project, according to OIC-District Engineer Irwin Antonio, involves the replacement of corroded bolts, damaged steel components, and plates, as well as the installation of finger-type expansion joints and other critical structural parts.
“These upgrades aim to restore the structural integrity of the bridge,” Antonio said, noting its crucial role in regional connectivity, mobility, and commerce.
He added that while minor works are still ongoing, a load rating capacity assessment will soon be conducted by DPWH Regional Office VIII in coordination with the Bureau of Design from the DPWH Central Office.
“This assessment will help determine whether the bridge can safely handle vehicles heavier than the current 15-ton limit,” Antonio said.
“The results will guide engineers in recommending whether controlled crossings of heavier vehicles can be allowed.”
For now, the bridge remains open only to vehicles weighing five tons and below, with barge services continuing to accommodate heavier cargo transport.
The load restriction was implemented in December 2024 following a structural inspection prompted by a viral video on social media showing the bridge visibly swaying.
Built in 1976, the Biliran Bridge is one of the province’s most vital infrastructure assets. The current rehabilitation is seen as crucial to prevent further deterioration of the nearly five-decade-old structure and to ensure motorist safety and the uninterrupted flow of goods and people between Biliran and the rest of Eastern Visayas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
