Major rehab planned for San Juanico bridge

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced Monday that the San Juanico Bridge will soon undergo major rehabilitation, with plans to reduce vehicle load in the meantime.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, in an interview with DZRH, said a parallel bridge connecting Sta. Rita in Samar to Tacloban and San Isidro will be built first before the existing structure is closed for repairs. The new bridge will be financed by the Japanese government.

"The plan is to finish the new parallel bridge first before closing the San Juanico Bridge for major rehabilitation. However, earlier this year—or maybe late last year—the regional office engaged a local consulting firm to conduct a preliminary assessment of the condition of the San Juanico Bridge," he said in Filipino.

Bonoan noted that the 50-year-old bridge has shown signs of deterioration, with reports of wobbling on the approaches, although not on the main structure. He emphasized the need for immediate action.

"There was a time when we did some retrofitting, but the approaches on the Tacloban and Samar sides have yet to be repaired," he added.

He also said preparations are underway for the Guadalupe Bridge project, which will involve structural changes and the construction of detour bridges during the rehabilitation process.