Biliran Bridge Fully Reopens to 15-Ton Load Capacity After Repairs

The Biliran Bridge has been cleared to accommodate all types of vehicles again after the completion of repair works that restored its original 15-ton maximum allowable load capacity, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced. DPWH-Biliran District Engineering Office District Engineer Irwin Antonio said the lifting of vehicle-type restrictions followed the replacement of the bridge’s expansion joints, which had been identified for repair after the structure was placed under restrictions following a bridge-swaying incident in December 2024. All vehicles may now cross the bridge, provided their total load does not exceed 15 tons, beginning on July 23, Antonio said. However, motorists must strictly follow safety rules while crossing the structure. These include avoiding gear shifting, allowing only one vehicle at a time to cross, and maintaining a speed of 15 to 20 kilometers per hour. Antonio urged motorists to comply with the regulations to help ensure their safety and protect the structural integrity of the bridge. The Biliran Bridge, built in 1976, is the only road link connecting Biliran Island to Leyte and the rest of Eastern Visayas. It serves as a critical route for the movement of residents, agricultural products, commercial goods, and essential services. The bridge had been under a 15-ton load restriction since December 2024 after a viral video showed the structure visibly swaying, prompting authorities to conduct a structural inspection. Vehicles exceeding the allowable weight were prohibited from crossing and were required to use barge services between Biliran and Leyte. While the repair works have allowed the bridge to resume normal vehicle access, the DPWH is pursuing longer-term measures to preserve the aging structure. The agency proposed a P266-million retrofitting project under its 2027 budget request, which would include installing additional support systems and reinforcing aging steel components. Plans are also advancing for a proposed P1.72-billion parallel bridge project, with funding support from the Asian Development Bank. The project remains subject to feasibility studies and other pre-engineering activities. Despite the proposed new bridge, authorities said the existing Biliran Bridge will be preserved as an important landmark and enduring symbol of the province’s connection to Leyte and the wider Eastern Visayas region.