Motorists, commuters, and business groups welcomed the reopening of the Calbiga Bridge to two-way traffic on Friday, June 19, marking a significant development in the restoration of one of Samar’s key transportation links along the Maharlika Highway.
The reopening follows months of restrictions imposed due to structural concerns that affected the aging bridge.
According to reports, vehicles are once again allowed to pass in both directions, easing travel conditions for residents and transport operators who rely on the route daily.
The Calbiga Bridge serves as a critical component of the Pan-Philippine Highway network, connecting communities and facilitating the movement of goods and passengers across Eastern Visayas.
Its condition has been closely monitored since engineering assessments revealed signs of deterioration, prompting government authorities to impose load restrictions as a precautionary measure.
In late 2025, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) implemented a 15-ton gross vehicle weight limit on the bridge after technical evaluations identified corrosion, damaged bearings, and weakened structural components.
Officials said the restrictions were necessary to ensure public safety and prevent further deterioration while rehabilitation plans were being prepared.
The bridge's condition also drew concern from business organizations in Eastern Visayas.
Early this year, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Tacloban-Leyte and other stakeholders urged national authorities to prioritize the rehabilitation and upgrading of the structure, emphasizing its importance to regional trade, logistics, and economic activity.
The groups warned that prolonged restrictions could negatively affect supply chains and increase transportation costs throughout the region.
The reopening of the bridge to two-way traffic is expected to improve travel efficiency and reduce delays experienced by motorists over the past several months.
Transport operators have noted that unrestricted traffic flow allows for faster movement of passengers and cargo, contributing to economic recovery and improved connectivity among Samar municipalities.
Infrastructure experts point out that the gradual restoration of traffic capacity on critical bridges is often carried out after safety evaluations and strengthening measures are completed.
Similar traffic restoration efforts were previously undertaken on the San Juanico Bridge after repair works and engineering assessments allowed authorities to safely reopen sections of the structure to heavier vehicles and two-way traffic.
While the reopening is being welcomed by residents and businesses, authorities are expected to continue monitoring the bridge’s condition to ensure long-term safety and reliability.
Infrastructure maintenance remains essential, particularly for bridges that have served communities for decades and carry substantial daily traffic volumes.
For many residents of Samar, the reopening of the Calbiga Bridge represents more than just the return of normal traffic flow.
It symbolizes renewed connectivity, improved access to services and markets, and continued efforts to strengthen transportation infrastructure vital to the region’s development.
As motorists resume using the bridge under normal traffic conditions, local officials and stakeholders hope that planned rehabilitation and strengthening initiatives will ensure the structure remains safe and dependable for years to come.
Photo courtesy of RMN
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