DPWH: Load limits of San Juanico Bridge to be raised in the next months

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan said Wednesday that the present load limits of San Juanico Bridge amid its rehabilitation might be increased in the coming months.

''I think the arrangement for now is actually to temporarily allow three tons na load capacity. But in the next few months actually, ‘pag natapos po namin iyong retrofitting of some of the segments (if we finish the retrofitting of some of the segments), we might be able to increase a little bit on the load limits po,'' Bonoan said during a Palace press briefing.

He said the increase in the load limits could be implemented in the last quarter of this year.

Bonoan further said the full capacity of the existing San Juanico Bridge would be undertaken ''as soon as the new bridge is actually constructed.''

''Kasi while the main structure is intact, I think mayroon din kailangang i-rehabilitate ngayon doon sa mismong center structure ‘no. But ang tantiya namin dito, if we’re able to increase the load limit, I think, we might be able to increase it up to ten tons actually,'' Bonoan said.

(While the main structure is intact, I think there's still a need to rehabilitate the center structure. But in our estimate, if we’re able to increase the load limit, I think, we might be able to increase it up to ten tons actually.)

Bonoan said eventually, most of the vehicles will be allowed except those that have heavy loads.

Asked about the possible inflationary effect amid the bridge's rehabilitation, Bonoan said the Philippine Ports Authority is trying to make alternative routes to address the economic considerations amid the repair.

''I think, ang kuwan po natin dito is the primary consideration here is to provide the safety access ‘no. We don’t want really to compromise actually the safety of the motorists that will be passing through San Juanico Bridge po,'' he said.

According to the DPWH, the recent assessment raised concerns about San Juanico Bridge's structural integrity. It temporarily prohibited vehicles weighing more than three tons from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge.

Authorities are already on blue alert following the enforcement of the vehicle weight limit. A blue alert status means both agencies are at a heightened preparedness and alertness.

Built in 1969 and completed in 1973, San Juanico Bridge is the the third longest bridge spanning a body of seawater in the Philippines, connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte.

It was a project of late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Its longest length is a steel girder viaduct built on reinforced concrete piers, and its main span is of an arch-shaped truss design, according to the Leyte provincial government.

The bridge has 43 spans and medium size boats can pass beneath its large main arch, the top of which rises 41 meters above the sea. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News