A significant 5.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Southern Leyte on January 23 has prompted the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to impose a strict load limit on the vital Liloan Bridge, a key infrastructure linking Luzon and Mindanao.
The earthquake, which occurred 10.01 kilometers southeast of San Francisco at 7:39 a.m. and was registered at a depth of 14 kilometers, caused considerable structural concerns for the bridge.
According to the DPWH - Eastern Visayas, the seismic event led to a noticeable space gap in the bridge’s steel expansion joint, compromising its integrity.
Lord Byron Torrecarion, the Office of Civil Defense Regional Director, confirmed in a press briefing that one side of the Liloan Bridge has been closed to traffic due to the damage inflicted by the quake.
To ensure public safety, Torrecarion stated that all vehicles exceeding 10 tons are prohibited from crossing the bridge until satisfactory rehabilitation measures are put in place.
The Liloan Bridge serves as a critical route for the transportation of goods between Mindanao and Luzon, and its partial closure poses a significant threat to commerce in the region.
Southern Leyte’s 2nd district Representative, Christopherson Yap, expressed the urgency of addressing the infrastructure’s limitations, noting that the bridge has been in operation for nearly five decades and requires replacement.
Plans are currently underway for the construction of a new bridge to better handle the load and improve safety for motorists and commuters.
Rep. Yap underscored the importance of the bridge, stating, “The bridge is vital since this is a major route in the transport of products from Mindanao to Luzon.”
The estimated cost for constructing a new bridge is PHP 5.5 billion, indicating a significant investment in the region's infrastructure.
The proposed project will involve a 230-meter cable-stayed main bridge over the Panaon Strait, complemented by a 146-meter approach bridge and a 345-meter approach road.
This new bridge will efficiently link Panaon Island to Leyte Island, enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activity in the area.
In addition to the Liloan Bridge, the DPWH has reported that nine road sections within the national highway across Liloan, San Francisco, and San Ricardo are facing access limitations due to various road conditions, including rockfalls and cracks from the quake.
Following the initial seismic event, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) noted that more than 160 aftershocks have been recorded, with magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 2.9.
As of 6 a.m. on Friday, PHIVOLCS reported a total of 166 aftershocks following the earthquake, reflecting the ongoing seismic activity in the region.
The aftershocks, along with the primary earthquake, have caused evident damage to homes and roads, underscoring the necessity for prompt structural assessments and repairs throughout the area.
Classes were suspended in various localities on Thursday in response to the earthquake, ensuring the safety of students as the community comes to terms with the aftermath of the seismic event.
With both immediate repairs and long-term infrastructural improvements on the agenda, the government aims to effectively manage the repercussions of the earthquake while reinforcing Southern Leyte's resilience against future seismic events.
As the situation develops, local authorities continue to monitor the impacts of the earthquake while assessing the necessary measures to maintain safety and support the region's economic stability.
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