TACLOBAN CITY – The province of Biliran declared a state of calamity on Friday, Dec. 27, due to the limited capacity of the Biliran Bridge and its impact on the local economy.
BILIRAN Bridge (Biliran Island FB)
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan said the move will enable the provincial government to implement measures to stabilize prices of goods and essential commodities, ensure the uninterrupted delivery of goods and services, and mobilize resources to mitigate the adverse effects of the incident.
Based on the technical assessment conducted on the Biliran Bridge by engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways-Biliran District Engineering Office and DPWH-Regional Office 8, the bridge sustained damage under the deck slab, particularly on the bridge stringers, steel cross bracing, build-up sections of Spans 4 and 3, and loose nuts and bolts at Span 1.
Damage was attributed to corrosion, exposure to saltwater, and the continuous daily moving load. The bearing plates and bridge deck slab were assessed to be in fair condition.
The DPWH recommended transportation via barge to facilitate the heavy influx of cargo trucks carrying goods, perishable products, and fuel tankers.
Gov. Gerard Roger Espina said negotiations between the provincial government, the business sector, and the barge company were positive but still need to be finalized.
Major repair or replacement of damaged components has been recommended. Light vehicles are still allowed to pass the bridge one at a time.
Constructed in 1975, the Biliran Bridge primarily connects the provinces of Biliran and Leyte.