Cheyenne Suarez

Biliran Bridge concerns prompt safety measures, proposed solutions

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1735109874702BILIRAN BRIDGE.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>The Biliran Bridge, the sole link between the island province of Biliran and mainland Leyte, has sparked concerns among motorists and residents after a viral video showed the structure swaying. The video depicted the bridge moving like a wave, alarming residents and commuters alike, echoing sentiments of many who rely on the bridge daily.In response, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) immediately imposed restrictions on the bridge&#x27;s use. As of Monday night, large vehicles such as trucks and busses have been prohibited from crossing. Only light vehicles, including motorcycles, vans and SUVs are allowed, and they must cross the bridge one at a time with extreme caution. Bus passengers are requested to disembark, walk across the bridge, and seek alternate transportation on the other side.Edna Colanta, who is taking her vacation with her family from Manila, shared her frustration.&quot;It&#x27;s such a hassle and costly too,&quot; said Colanta while riding a tricycle to cross the bridge before transferring to another bus to reach her hometown.&quot;They told us busses aren&#x27;t allowed, so we had to walk and transfer to another bus on the other side,&quot; Edison Monmar, another commuter, said.The restriction have also affected businesses and logistics. Truck driver Ronnie Bon expressed disappointment as his plan to briefly visit his family during the holiday were disrupted. &quot;We have no choice now but to spend Christmas on the road,&quot; he lamented.According to Erwin Antonio from the DPWH office in Biliran, the brigde&#x27;s swaying is a normal design characteristics of steel bridges, particularly those built over 50 years ago, like the Biliran Bridge.&quot;Actually this is a 50-year-old bridge, steel bridge, and it&#x27;s part of its design na talagang mag-sway siya &#x27;pag may vehicle na dumadaan,&quot; Antonio explained, reassuring the public that their inspections revealed no structural cracks or immediate safety risks.To reduce stress, DPWH has reduced its load from 20 tons to 15 tons. Antonio also recommended measures to facilitate the transport of essential goods, including the gradual offloading of cargo to lighter vehicles for safe passage.Recognizing the growing need for a more reliable connection, the provincial government of Biliran is advocating for the construction of an additional bridge to link Leyte and Biliran. Alternate routes will also be explored. Another proposal includes utilizing port passages and barges to transport heavy vehicles and cargo in and out of the province.As inspections continue, the DPWH and local officials have urged the public to exercise patience and caution. — Report from Sharon Evite-Carangue

The Biliran Bridge, the sole link between the island province of Biliran and mainland Leyte, has sparked concerns among motorists and residents after a viral video showed the structure swaying.

The Biliran Bridge, the sole link between the island province of Biliran and mainland Leyte, has sparked concerns among motorists and residents after a viral video showed the structure swaying.