PALO, Leyte — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office in Eastern Visayas is accelerating rehabilitation work on the iconic San Juanico Bridge as the target to increase its load limit draws near.
In a statement, the DPWH reported significant progress, with 88 percent of the strengthening works now complete.
Construction teams are working at an accelerated pace to meet President Marcos Jr.’s directive to raise the bridge’s allowable load capacity from 3 tons to 12–15 tons by December 2025.
The rehabilitation involves shoring works and retrofitting of Girders 1 and 3 to enhance the structural integrity of the bridge. The project is funded with P500 million from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.
In June, President Marcos ordered the retrofitting to be expedited, warning that officials could face termination if the December target is not met. The increased load capacity will allow larger vehicles to cross the bridge safely.
San Juanico Bridge, a 2.16-kilometer-long structure, is a vital link connecting Luzon and Mindanao via the Pan-Philippine Highway, also known as the Maharlika Highway. The bridge was constructed in 1969 and inaugurated on 2 July 1973, coinciding with the birthday of former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
In May, a 3-ton maximum load limit was imposed after inspections revealed structural defects, including corroded and loose bolts.