Calbiga: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Samar 2nd District Engineering Office is seeking PHP140 million for the retrofitting and repair of the Calbiga Bridge, following a recent structural assessment that revealed several issues affecting its stability.

According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed fund will cover the retrofitting of critical components of the bridge within the country’s Maharlika Highway, including the expansion joint at abutment 1, damaged bearing and restraint steel bed at pier 1, and corroded bottom flanges of girders at span 1. The assessment also noted corrosion and section loss in the bridge’s railings and a loose connection in an additional girder at span 2.

This damage, the DPWH said in a report Tuesday, is attributed to long-term service and repeated instances of overloading on the bridge, which was built more than 50 years ago. In its report, the DPWH outlined immediate safety measures while awaiting funding approval.

Among the key actions is the implementation of a 15-ton gross vehicle weight limit, which will take effect on Oct. 27, 2025, to prevent further structural damage. ‘The imposition of the weight limit is crucial for public safety. Its purpose is to protect lives, prevent possible bridge failure, and sustain safe connectivity along the Maharlika Highway,” the DPWH said.

The DPWH has appealed for the public’s cooperation and understanding as the agency works to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge. ‘Just be informed that whether no fund is yet available, restrictions will commence on October 27,’ the DPWH added.

Motorists are advised to take a longer route from the San Juanico Bridge, traversing Samar and Eastern Samar towns, to get to Catbalogan City, the capital of Samar province. For those heading to Northern Samar, motorists are advised to take the road that links Eastern Samar to Northern Samar.

There are also regular roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) trips for big trucks from Ormoc City in Leyte to Calbayog City in Samar. These new RoRo routes opened in May this year following the load limit restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge. No DPWH official in the region was available for an interview about rehabilitation plans for the bridge, including its timeline.

The bridge is within the country’s major highway that links the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.