Swaying Biliran Bridge repair nears completion

TACLOBAN CITY — The repair and rehabilitation of once “viral” Biliran Bridge are expected to be substantially completed this month and testing will be done soon to determine whether it can withstand heavy vehicles that it used to accommodate.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Biliran District Engineering Office said the rehabilitation and repair, which cost P28.9 million, is almost substantially completed.

The Biliran Bridge, which connects Biliran province to Leyte, went viral in social media last December 2024 after videos circulated showing the bridge swaying even when there were no heavy vehicles traversing.

Since then, DPWH-Biliran has set a load limit of five tons for vehicles accessing the bridge while heavy delivery trucks are carried by barges to cross the channel between the two provinces.

During the technical inspection, it was found that the defects were associated with the reduced stiffness of the bridge due to its age and corroded members of the steel bridge caused by sea breeze. The bridge, which is almost 50 years old, was constructed in 1976.

District Engineer Irwin Antonio said the rehabilitation included replacement of corroded bolts, damaged steel members and plates, and the installation of new finger-type expansion joints and other essential bridge components to restore its structural integrity.

“While minor works are ongoing, a load rating capacity assessment will be conducted by the DPWH Regional Office VIII in coordination with the Bureau of Design from the DPWH Central Office,” Antonio said. “This will help determine the current load-bearing capacity of the bridge and whether it can safely accommodate vehicles heavier than the original 15-ton limit.”

He added that the recommendation of bridge engineers following the assessment will determine whether controlled or limited heavier vehicle crossings may be permitted.

The Biliran Bridge serves as a vital infrastructure asset for Biliran province, connecting it to mainland Leyte. The ongoing rehabilitation is deemed crucial not only to prevent further deterioration of the decades-old structure but also to ensure the safety of motorists and support the unhampered flow of goods, services, and people in the region.