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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 33-ton load capacity eyed in San Juanico Bridge upgrade – DPWH

33-ton load capacity eyed in San Juanico Bridge upgrade – DPWH

Published Jun 7, 2025 10:35 am  |  Updated Jun 7, 2025 01:27 pm

At A Glance

  • DPWH to increase San Juanico Bridge load capacity to 33 metric tons
  • Current load limit is 3 tons
  • Civil works expected to finish within five months
  • Shipping lines between Samar and Leyte to continue operating
  • Amandayehan Port in Basey to serve as alternative transport route during rehabilitation
The 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge, which links Tacloban City and Samar, is set for rehabilitation as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VIII announced on June 5, 2025, a plan to restore its 33-ton load capacity within five months. (Photo courtesy of Tacloban-CIO)
The 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge, which links Tacloban City and Samar, is set for rehabilitation as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VIII announced on June 5, 2025, a plan to restore its 33-ton load capacity within five months. (Photo courtesy of Tacloban-CIO)
A revised rehabilitation plan to raise the San Juanico Bridge’s maximum load capacity to 33 metric tons is now underway, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.
The plan is a significant increase from the current three-ton restriction.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan directed the department’s Region VIII office, in coordination with engineering consultant Angel Lazaro & Associates International, to finalize the program of works, with civil works targeted for completion within five months.
The agency said the original proposal aimed to increase the bridge’s capacity to 10 to 12 tons, but a higher load limit was deemed necessary to accommodate heavy vehicle traffic between Samar and Leyte.
Spanning 2.16 kilometers, the San Juanico Bridge serves as a vital transport link in Eastern Visayas but has long been limited by its load-bearing capacity.
To ensure unhampered mobility during the rehabilitation, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) assured the continued operation of shipping lines between Calbayog, Samar, and Ormoc City, Leyte.
The DPWH also reported the substantial completion of initial upgrades at the Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, with final validation underway by the PPA following the contractor’s turnover on Jun. 4.
Once formally turned over by the Basey local government, the port will undergo further development under PPA supervision to serve as a viable transport alternative during the bridge’s rehabilitation.
While civil works will focus on increasing load capacity, the DPWH said the full rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge remains a long-term infrastructure priority for the region.
“We remain fully committed to ensuring the long-term safety and functionality of the San Juanico Bridge, a vital artery for the region,” the agency said.

Related Tags

San Juanico Bridge DPWH bridge rehabilitation load capacity upgrade
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