Increased vehicle load limit for San Juanico eyed

PALO, Leyte — The Department of Public Works and Highways targets to increase the load limit of vehicles crossing the San Juanico Bridge to 10 tons from its current three tons before the end of the year.

This move is expected to ease the burden of commuters, including thousands of students and workers from the nearby towns of Samar who travel to Tacloban daily either to study, work or other concerns.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan requested consultants from Angel Lazaro & Associates International to come up with detailed repair plans and program of works next week.

He said the plans should outline feasible repairs that could increase the bridge’s load limit and should be achievable within a five-month timeframe.

Bonoan led a coordination meeting with key officials on 30 May 2025, at the DPWH Multi-purpose Hall to discuss viable solutions for the effects of the San Juanico Bridge load restriction.

The meeting focused on developing immediate solutions to increase the bridge’s load capacity and minimize disruption of goods and people within affected areas.

Bonoan said the DPWH targets to achieve an increased load capacity of the San Juanico Bridge of at least 10-12 tons before the year ends.

DPWH imposed a strict three-ton vehicle load limit on 15 May after studies showed significant structural compromises to the bridge.

Among those affected by the restriction are the Euro 4 modern mini-buses that were bought in compliance to the public transport modernization plan. The present Euro 4 mini buses weigh an average of 3,000 kilograms or 3.3 tons when empty.

Following the meeting, the officials conducted an on-site inspection of the San Juanico Bridge (Leyte side) and the Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar.