Trucks and buses weighing more than 3 tons and above are not allowed to traverse using the San Juanico Bridge and are instead required to use the Roro-Roro capable ports to connect between Samar and Leyte provinces.
The Philippine Ports and Authority said the heavy trucks crossing Samar and Leyte may divert to the Roro-Roro ports in Tacloban, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Biliran, Ormoc, Manguinoo, Hilongos, Maasin, Naval, Palompon, Calubian, and Villaba.
This in line with the immediate implementation of a memorandum by Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan following an assessment on the structural integrity of San Juanico bridge. With that, the iconic San Juanico bridge becomes off limit to heavy trucks.
This measure aims to prevent further deterioration of the 52-year-old structure and ensure public safety.
Those allowed to cross the bridge are vehicles weighing 3 tons and below (4-wheeled or small vehicles) only. Those traversing the bridge must also use the centerline, proceeding one one a time, and should follow all on site traffic directions.
The measure is strictly enforced to ensure motorist safety, mitigate risks associated with identified damage, and facilitate essential repair and maintenance work.
Repairs of the 52-year-old structure, the longest bridge in the Philippines, are expected to take at least a year once they begin.
