DPWH eyes controlled 30-ton load limit for San Juanico Bridge
PRESIDENT MARCOS and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon with the San Juanico Bridge in the background.
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is studying the proposal of Mayor Alfred Romualdez to allow 30-ton trucks to traverse the San Juanico Bridge under controlled conditions.
A key DPWH regional official said on Monday they are open to the suggestion to allow one-way traffic on the San Juanico Bridge during non-peak hours such as after 10 a.m. and before 3 p.m. and late at night.
“We already have initial meetings to consider the suggestion of the mayor. The DPWH will issue an official announcement,” the official, who requested for anonymity, said.
Since the flood control issues broke out, local DPWH officials have declined recorded media interviews.
Romualdez announced in a press briefing on Saturday that vehicles weighing up to 30 tons may soon be allowed to traverse under controlled conditions.
The move comes after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s inspection last Friday where he tasked the local government to explore easing the current 15-ton restrictions and the DPWH ahead-of-schedule strengthening works.
Romualdez said crossings would be limited to one-way traffic and nighttime and non-peak hours, assuring the public that this new development will happen before the Christmas rush.
Marcos led the reopening of the San Juanico Bridge to heavier vehicles after six months of retrofitting, completing the work ahead of the Christmas holidays.
The President lauded the DPWH for accelerating repairs, allowing 15-ton trucks to cross the bridge connecting Samar and Leyte.
The bridge had been closed to vehicles weighing more than three tons since May 15 due to structural deterioration from aging and weather.
At least P520 million from the national disaster fund was allocated for the completed portal shoring and reinforcement works. (PNA)