Tacloban City – The Biliran Bridge, which gained attention last December after videos showing it swaying went viral, will finally undergo repairs.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced the release of P30 million for the major repairs, which will include the replacement of corroded bolts and steel plates, as well as damaged expansion joints using the finger-type expansion joint and other key bridge components.

OIC-District Engineer Irwin L. Antonio of the DPWH Biliran District Engineering Office said the procurement process is now underway via negotiated procurement to expedite the bidding process.

Antonio explained that the emergency repairs are based on the recommendation of a DPWH team that conducted a technical inspection on December 24, 2024, a day after the video of the “swaying” Biliran Bridge went viral.

The team found that the defects were linked to the reduced stiffness of the bridge, caused by its age and the corrosion of steel members due to sea breeze.

Built in 1975 during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the 49-year-old Biliran Bridge is the sole link between Biliran Province and Leyte.

“We are thankful to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan for his unwavering commitment in securing the necessary funds for this project and ensuring that the procurement process is on track,” Antonio said in a statement.

Antonio added that the DPWH Biliran DEO, in coordination with Biliran Representative Congressman Gerardo J. Espina Jr. and local government units, is making all efforts to restore and repair the bridge.

He clarified that no closure will be imposed on the Biliran Bridge during repairs. The bridge will remain open and passable to vehicles weighing 5 tons or less.

In the meantime, the DPWH Biliran DEO is strictly weighing vehicles before entry to enforce the 5-ton limit, allowing only one vehicle to cross at a time. Heavy equipment or vehicles weighing more than 5 tons are being transported via barge.