poneclub DPWH: ‘Swaying’ Biliran bridge safe for motorists

‘STRUCTURALLY SOUND’ The 120-meter Biliran Bridge, a vital link between the provinces of Biliran and Leyte, has been declared “structurally sound” following a viral video showing that it was swaying during heavy traffic on Dec. 23. —Photo courtesy of Biliran Island Facebook page

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — A 48-year-old steel bridge connecting the provinces of Biliran and Leyte is “safe and stable,” amid a viral video on Dec. 23 that showed the 120-meter structure slightly moving as vehicles passed through it.

According to district engineer Irwin Antonio of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Biliran Bridge is structurally sound, although vehicles weighing 20 tons or more will be temporarily prohibited from crossing the structure as a precautionary measure.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The Biliran Bridge is still safe for commuters. But for safety reasons, we will not allow large vehicles exceeding 20 tons to pass for now,” he said in an interview on Tuesday.

FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO COA: BSP spent P5.95B for new peso banknotes NEWSINFO Rody asks Davao folk: ‘Don’t abandon Dutertes’ NEWSINFO IMF sees 36% of PH jobs eased or displaced by AI

Antonio clarified that the bridge, built in 1976, was not moving like a wave but was “swaying,” a natural behavior for steel bridges.

“The Biliran Bridge, like any steel bridge, is designed to sway slightly under certain conditions. This is different from what people described as ‘waving’ in the viral video,” he said.

Article continues after this advertisement

The swaying, he added, was likely caused by the unusually heavy traffic on Monday, when several 10-wheel trucks passed through the structure.

Article continues after this advertisement

Antonio said a DPWH team immediately inspected the bridge’s structural integrity.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Our inspection found no cracks, no loose bolts, and no damage to the posts or steel components. The swaying was likely due to the high volume of vehicles crossing the bridge that day,” he said.

As part of the safety measures, passenger buses and vans will be required to have their passengers alight before the vehicles cross the bridge. The passengers will be asked to walk across the bridge so they can board their vehicles again.

Article continues after this advertisement

The Biliran provincial government is exploring temporary solutions to ensure safety, including the use of barges to transport passengers and tapping shuttle vehicles for seniors, persons with disabilities, and children.

Biliran Gov. Gerard Espina said he would propose the construction of an alternate bridge to address the growing transportation demands in the province.

online casino no deposit bonus Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

This was the remark of Kristalina Georgieva, who has just started her second five-year term as managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on Thursday, before the IMF and the World Bank’s annual gathering of financial leaders in Washington next week.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Integrated Sciences Carlos Primo David during a forum organized by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) said the DENR rolled out a digital application process in three regions of the country.poneclub

READ NEXT Silk production revival seen to meet ‘ikat’ demand DSWD chief defends AKAP: ‘It is not a pork barrel’ EDITORS' PICK New Year 2025: Number of hopeful Filipinos drops to 90% – SWS Floodings kill 1, distress over 60,000 families nationwide – OCD Dua Lipa, Callum Turner engaged? Singer shows off diamond ring in Christmas photos ‘Squid Game’ director on killing off show’s characters Bodies of about 100 Kurdish women, children found in Iraq mass grave How to set your 2025 mental health new year’s resolutions MOST READ Barbers: Filipinos must unite vs China’s ‘meddling’ in PH-US deal MMFF 2024 Gabi ng Parangal: Everything you need to know, expect Gary Valenciano’s daughter Kiana defends dad amid fans’ refund demands ‘Surprise of 2024’: Escoda Shoal in West PH Sea is new flashpoint Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments