San Juanico Bridge Restrictions Threaten Leyte Economy, Business Groups Demand Swift Action
Following recent structural examinations, the San Juanico Bridge, which links Samar and Leyte, is now subject to load limitations. Business leaders are immediately alarmed by this and fear that if repairs are not prioritised, it will have a significant negative impact on the Leyte economy.
Officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced a 3-ton axle load limit for all vehicles crossing the 52-year-old bridge. Only light vehicles are allowed to pass, while cargo trucks and buses are now prohibited.
Eugene Tan, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in Tacloban-Leyte, emphasized the urgency of the situation. He urged Malacañang to form an intergovernmental task force to address the bridge’s repairs immediately.
“We in the chamber are not against the closure pero sana mabilisan, maaksyunan,” Tan said. “Bawat araw na dumadaan malaki ang epekto sa ekonomiya.”
He added that freight expenses will rise as businesses are forced to use roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels for transporting supplies between islands.
To mitigate the transport disruption, authorities recommended maximizing existing RoRo ports in the region. Ports in Catbalogan and Calbayog (Samar), as well as Tacloban, Ormoc, and Baybay (Leyte), are being eyed as alternative routes.
DPWH Eastern Visayas regional director Edgar Tabacon confirmed that barriers will be installed at the bridge’s approaches. These will physically prevent heavy vehicles from entering and ensure compliance with the load limit.
“We need an immediate solution to this predicament since the progress of the region is at stake,” Tabacon said.
Structural Weaknesses and Impact On Leyte’s Economy And Regional Trade
The decision follows a new structural assessment that revealed damage to key components of the bridge’s superstructure. While the bridge withstood past calamities, including Super Typhoon Yolanda, aging and continuous heavy use have taken a toll.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) confirmed the findings and has since deployed personnel to assist in enforcement and coordination. OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno stated that President Marcos ordered strict enforcement of the load limit to prevent further deterioration.
A joint task force composed of DPWH, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces has been stationed near the bridge. Their role includes vehicle inspections, traffic control, and load monitoring.
The restrictions are expected to slow down the movement of goods, fuel, and other essential supplies between Samar and Leyte. This has raised alarms within the business community, especially among small and medium enterprises relying on this key infrastructure.
Repairs to the San Juanico Bridge superstructure are estimated to cost around ₱900 million. In addition, the Tacloban City port will require ₱5 million worth of repairs to accommodate more RoRo vessels.
Tan mentioned that the PCCI proposed direct coordination between cabinet secretaries to fast-track the bridge repairs, warning that delays could paralyze the region’s economy.
“Sana maaksyunan ito ng Malacanang,” Tan added.
Featured Photo: Wikipedia
