TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Biliran District Engineering Office has revived its proposal to construct a parallel bridge to replace the 50-year-old Biliran Bridge which was caught on video "swinging" recently and became viral.
BIILIRAN Bridge (Biliran Island FB)
The P500-million project was proposed for inclusion in the 2022 Regular Infrastructure Program but was not funded. The DPWH-Unified Project Management Office Bridges Management Cluster will construct the bridge when funded.
The DPWH-BDEO said that that the previously completed repair of the Biliran Bridge which amounted to P50 million was independent and unconnected to the current damage.
The repair focused on the asphalt overlay of the entire bridge span, retrofitting through carbon fiber sheets on substructures except the foundation, additional steel plate on the top chord not on the entire span, and repainting and replacement of noted missing bolts.
It added that the recent damage observed on the Biliran Bridge is primarily on the areas underneath the bridge deck slab.
Among the factors that could have caused the wavelike pattern and aero-dynamic flutter is the gustiness frequency of the wind approaches or is in resonance with the combined forces that impacted the bridge (moving loads, wind load, and own weight of the bridge).
DPWH-BDEO officer-in-charge District Engineer Irwin Antonio explained that the effect is associated with the reduced stiffness of the bridge due to the age and corroded members of the steel bridge caused by the sea breeze.
The bearing plates are in fair condition despite the discovered defects.
Antonio assured the public of swift action and stated that they will propose a project for the repair of the only bridge that links Leyte and Biliran Islands.
“The Biliran Bridge is a vital and one of the most significant structures in the region, which is why our office has noted that a major repair of these defective components is highly recommended, to address this matter with utmost urgency,” Antonio said.
The DPWH-BDEO continues to temporarily restrict heavy vehicles from crossing the bridge to ensure the safety of the public.
Only vehicles weighing five tons are allowed to pass the bridge one at a time and are advised to cross through the center.
Barge transportation has been recommended to manage the high volume of cargo trucks carrying essential goods, perishable items, and fuel tankers to and from the island province.