The fascination of driving through the famous San Juanico Bridge has now became a nightmare as many are now forced to walk along the 2,164-meter-long bridge.
Starting on May 15, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) imposed a three-ton and three meters height limit on vehicles passing through the 52-year -old structure due to structural deterioration.
“Only light vehicles are allowed to pass. Vehicles exceeding this limit will be prohibited from crossing. Motorists must use the bridge's centerline, proceeding ONE AT A TIME, and should follow all on-site traffic directions,” Tacloban City Information Office advised.
Impact on commuters
Due to the limitations, buses and other public transportations are also affected. Passengers from both islands of Samar and Leyte are forced to walk through the bridge regardless of age, not to mention the weather.
Others with private vehicles are likewise stranded due to the growing traffic lines from both ends of the structure.
To extend help, DPWH Region 8 provided free onsite transport by providing nine vehicles from the regional office and another nine vehicles from Tingog party-list. Tents, portable toilets, and water dispensers were also made available.
Impact on local economy
On the other hand, deliveries were also hampered due to the restrictions. This prompted Leyte’s business sector to urge Malacañang to create an intergovernmental task force to handle the repairs.
Eugene Tan, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Tacloban-Leyte, said this may lead to price increases of goods in Leyte because of the additional costs of using roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) vessels. This will also affect the delivery of fuel and other necessities.
“Alam naman natin na ang San Juanico is the gateway for the region connecting Leyte and Samar. So nagkaroon ng instructions because of the structural problem, so ‘yung superstructure nagkaproblema. They need to shut down the traffic of San Juanico,” Tan said in an interview.
“We in the chamber are not against the closure pero sana mabilisan, maaksyunan. Bawat araw na dumadaan malaki ang epekto sa ekonomiya.”
According to Tan, repairs of the San Juanico Bridge superstructure could reach P900 million, not including the foundation.
On top of that, DPWH Assistant Regional Director Engr. Margarita Junia stated that the repairs may actually take up to two years before all types of vehicles can use the bridge. Junia noted that said the load restriction “is better than the total closure.”
Meanwhile, Tan suggested the repair of the dock in Tacloban city to be used by more ro-ro vessels as it will only cost around P5 million.
“The DPWH is willing to do the repairs because hindi naman ganun kalaki ‘yung repair,” he said.
He said PCCI has suggested a “secretary-to-secretary” intervention to speed up the repairs, “otherwise they will be shutting down the economy of the entire region.”
“Sana maaksyunan ito ng Malacañang,” he said.
Delay means losses
Locals totally agree with Tan as the consequent limitations on transport vehicles significantly hinder regional connectivity, economic activity, and daily mobility.
Such restrictions not only disrupt the movement of goods and people but also underscore the urgent need for structural rehabilitation to restore the bridge’s vital role as a lifeline between Samar and Leyte.
Failing to address these issues risks further economic decline and safety hazards, emphasizing that proactive maintenance and investment are essential to preserve this critical infrastructure.
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