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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DPWH: Japan-funded bridge to ease San Juanico traffic, support full rehabilitation

DPWH: Japan-funded bridge to ease San Juanico traffic, support full rehabilitation

Published May 21, 2025 03:08 pm

At A Glance

  • The project will ease traffic on the San Juanico Bridge and allow full rehabilitation
  • Completion is targeted by 2027 or shortly after.
A new bridge funded by the Japanese government will be constructed between Santa Rita town of Samar, and Tacloban City to support the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) retrofitting of the San Juanico Bridge and help sustain connectivity across Eastern Visayas.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the new structure, which will rise adjacent to and longer than the existing bridge, is part of the Marcos administration’s flagship infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening inter-island mobility.
Bonoan noted that the new span will serve as a long-term alternate route, allowing the San Juanico Bridge to undergo full rehabilitation once the replacement link becomes operational.
While technical studies are ongoing, the DPWH continues retrofitting work on the 50-year-old bridge, particularly on its approach sections found to be structurally compromised following a recent safety assessment.
A preliminary report by a local consulting firm confirmed that the bridge’s main truss remains stable, but the approach sections were described as “very precarious,” prompting the imposition of a three-ton weight limit that restricts access to heavy vehicles, including buses and cargo trucks.
Bonoan said the weight restriction may be raised to 10 tons by the last quarter of 2025 upon completion of the initial retrofitting phase, which would allow most commercial vehicles except heavy haulers to use the bridge.
To minimize disruptions, the DPWH has coordinated with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government units to improve ferry services between Samar and Leyte, providing alternate routes for passengers and goods.
Light vehicles remain allowed to cross the San Juanico Bridge, while heavy trucks are being rerouted through the upgraded ferry system until the new bridge is completed, which is targeted by 2027 or shortly thereafter.
The San Juanico Bridge, the longest in the country, is a vital link for trade and travel in Eastern Visayas. The government’s dual-track strategy aims to ensure public safety while preserving essential connectivity amid critical infrastructure upgrades.

Related Tags

dpwh San Juanico Bridge Japan-funded projects Eastern Visayas Samar
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