DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan revealed that the government will construct a new bridge along with the temporary closure of the San Juanico bridge due to major rehabilitation on Wednesday.

On a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps, Bonoan explained thoroughly that the closure of the San Juanico bridge one time or another in the next few years is highly anticipated since it has been in operation for over 50 years now. Therefore, a major rehabilitation is necessary.

"DPWH will construct a new bridge adjacent to the existing San Juanico Bridge. This is now in the works," he said.

He explained that they discussed to construct an adjacent bridge rather than a temporary one at the exact location of the San Juanico Bridge because completing it could take up to a year.

A load of three tons has been allotted in the meantime with the possibility of increasing the load capacity over time.

Bonoan said this project will be financed by the Japanese government. They hope that the design will be completed by 2026.

"The new bridge is now under preparation in fact this will be one of the flagship project under this administration," he said.