In response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize public safety and mobility, government agencies and private sector partners have begun offering free shuttle services to assist commuters affected by the ongoing rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge. These efforts aim to minimize travel disruptions and provide essential support to the public while critical repairs are underway.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan confirmed that the DPWH has been working closely with local government units (LGUs) and other concerned agencies to address the impact of the bridge’s temporary vehicle restrictions. During a press briefing at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, Bonoan assured the public that free shuttle services would be available for as long as necessary to ease the inconvenience caused by the rehabilitation works.
“We are providing free shuttle services to ensure that people can continue to move around safely and efficiently,” said Secretary Bonoan. “As long as there is a need for the shuttle service, we will make sure it is available.”
The DPWH has already begun retrofitting sections of the San Juanico Bridge identified as deteriorated and unsafe for heavy loads. The work is being expedited to ensure the bridge can safely accommodate traffic once the retrofitting is completed.
“Right now, we are focusing on retrofitting the most vulnerable sections of the bridge. We are speeding up the process to make sure we can lift the restrictions as soon as possible,” Bonoan stated.
Since May 14, authorities have implemented a three-ton weight limit for vehicles crossing the San Juanico Bridge. Bonoan reassured the public that this weight limit is temporary and will be adjusted after the necessary retrofitting work is finished.
“In the coming months, once the retrofitting work is complete, we hope to gradually increase the load limits,” Bonoan explained.
In collaboration with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine National Police (PNP), and LGUs, the DPWH has introduced several additional measures to address the impact of the restrictions, including rerouting cargo shipments. The PPA is currently exploring alternative routes for shipments, such as redirecting cargo from the Port of Matnog in Sorsogon to Carigara Port in Leyte to alleviate pressure on the San Juanico Bridge.
To further mitigate the effects of the ongoing rehabilitation, the DPWH is also working closely with the PNP to manage traffic flow and ensure public safety during the repair period.
Looking ahead, Bonoan also announced plans for a new bridge that will be constructed adjacent to the existing San Juanico Bridge. This new bridge, which will be longer than the current 2.6-kilometer structure, will be funded through official development assistance (ODA) from the Japanese government. The project, one of the administration’s flagship infrastructure initiatives, is currently in the detailed engineering design phase, with construction expected to begin once the design is finalized.
“We are excited about this new bridge, which will significantly improve traffic flow and the overall safety of the San Juanico area,” Bonoan said. “We aim to complete the detailed design by 2026, with construction following shortly after.”
The DPWH, alongside its partners, continues to work diligently to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety and convenience of all affected commuters during this critical phase of the San Juanico Bridge rehabilitation project.
