San Juanico Bridge to be closed to heavy vehicles, pedestrians amid repair

The DPWH Region VIII instructed vehicles that exceed three tons to utilize roll-on/roll-off vessels to maintain connectivity and coordinate with the Philippine Ports Authority for the use of RORO ports.

The PPA has identified the following ports:

• Tacloban Port
• Calbayog Port
• Catbalogan Port
• Biliran Port
• Ormoc Port
• Manguinoo Port, Calbayog Samar
• HIlongos Port
• Maasin Port
• Naval Port
• Palompon Port
• Calubian Port
• Villaba Port

Repair cost

Office of Civil Defense administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, in an interview with GMA Super Radyo dzBB, said the cost of the repair could reach as high as P500 million.

“Very rough estimate po ito, wala pang masyadong detalye," he said. "Between P300 to P500 million kung kinakailangan pang-repair."

Nepomuceno said the government is studying whether the funds could be acquired from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fund since the DWPH has yet to allocate funds for the planned repair.

Blue Alert status, task group

The Eastern Visayas' Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the OCD declared a blue alert status following the DPWH memo on vehicle weight.

A blue alert status signifies the agencies' heightened preparedness and alertness.

The OCD, in a Facebook post, also announced the creation of the San Juanico Task Group, which is in charge of ensuring smooth traffic flow, security, and rapid response efforts across the bridge. The SJTG is also set to collaborate closely with partner agencies to implement safety protocols and conduct ongoing structural assessments.

So far, the group has created a public assistance desk at the Mega Tent. Located on both sides of the bridge, the desk will serve as the primary help point, streamlining assistance and information dissemination.

"All existing help desks and tents near the bridge will be transferred to the Mega Tent to enhance support services," the OCD said, adding that it will also serve as the command post containing a mobile command center from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology's GECSS MOVE, a mobile and self-contained emergency communications system, is stationed nearby for coordinated response efforts.

Security teams will also conduct 24-hour patrols at strategic points, with deployment schemes coordinated among agencies to ensure continuous coverage, according to the OCD.

There's also an on-site one-stop shop for franchise applications and permits. Two temporary passenger terminals will be established: one in Tacloban City in Leyte, in front of Orly’s Restaurant, and another in Sta. Rita in Samar, near a food stop.

"U-turns and staging areas along bypass roads will help manage traffic and facilitate movement across the bridge," the OCD said.

Heavy vehicles will also be rerouted through proposed checkpoints strategically located in Sogod and Ormoc on the Leyte side, as well as in Palo, Tacloban, and Sta. Fe. On the Samar side, proposed checkpoints will be established in Catbalogan, Taft, Basey, and Sta. Rita.

"These checkpoints will enforce rerouting policies, guiding trucks away from the bridge toward alternative routes such as Ormoc, to reduce stress on the structure and enhance safety," the OCD said.

Pedestrians will also no longer be allowed to cross the bridge on foot. Instead, coasters and light vehicles will ferry passengers across to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

“We ask everyone to understand and work with us. Our top priority is the safety of travelers and residents. We will lift these restrictions only when we are fully confident that the bridge’s structural integrity is secure," said Nepomuceno.

The San Juanico Bridge was built in 1969 and completed in 1973. Spanning 2.16 kilometers, it connects the islands of Samar and Leyte.