Tacloban city: Authorities have allowed trucks weighing up to 30 tons to cross the San Juanico Bridge during nighttime hours starting Wednesday. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced this measure as part of their ongoing traffic and safety management efforts.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH’s public advisory states that 30-ton trucks and other heavy vehicles can cross the bridge from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on a one-way-at-a-time basis. This decision follows the postponement of a previously scheduled dry run for daytime crossing, which was set for December 18. The postponement aims to allow further consultation regarding the change.
As a result of this advisory, 30-ton trucks will only be allowed to cross the bridge during the designated nighttime window until further notice. The DPWH has reminded motorists to adhere to safety regulations while crossing, including maintaining a maximum speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour and keeping a minimum distance of 40 meters between vehicles.
Authorities have appealed for cooperation and understanding from motorists and transport operators as they continue to implement measures to ensure public safety and the structural integrity of the bridge. Allowing bigger trucks to cross the bridge under controlled conditions was initially suggested by Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and discussed during President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s visit to the city on December 12, 2025.
Last week, President Marcos led the reopening of the San Juanico Bridge to heavier vehicles following six months of retrofitting, completing the work ahead of the Christmas holidays. The bridge had been closed to vehicles weighing more than three tons from May 15 to December 11, 2025, due to structural deterioration from aging and weather conditions.
At least PHP520 million from the national disaster fund was allocated for the completed portal shoring and reinforcement works. The President praised the DPWH for accelerating repairs, permitting 15-ton trucks to cross the bridge connecting Samar and Leyte.
