Due to bridge incident
(BILIRAN ISLAND)
TACLOBAN CITY– The province of Biliran has declared a state of calamity due to structural concerns surrounding the Biliran Bridge, a vital link between the island province and mainland Leyte.
Resolution No. 321, passed during a special session of the 11th Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Friday, Dec.17, highlights the significant economic and logistical disruptions caused by the incident related to physical condition of the 120-meters Biliran Bridge.
The declaration follows findings from a technical assessment by engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), who identified damage to key components of the bridge, including bridge stringers, steel cross bracing, and loose nuts and bolts.
The damage, attributed to corrosion and continuous heavy loads, has led to restrictions on heavy vehicles and limited access to light vehicles on a controlled basis.
On Dec. 23, Governor Gerard Roger Espina had convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) which he chairs and recommended to the provincial board that a state of calamity be declared in the province due to the incident.
The PDRRMC underscored the importance of the declaration, emphasizing the need to mobilize resources and implement measures to minimize adverse effects on the local economy.
“The declaration of the state of calamity will help in controlling prices and access to the calamity fund for bridge utilization,” Gov. Espina had said.
The Biliran Bridge, constructed in 1975(and not 1976 as earlier stated), serves as the primary conduit for goods, services, and people between Biliran and Leyte.
The restriction of heavy vehicles has disrupted the transport of essential commodities, leading to price increases and inflationary pressures within the province.
To mitigate these impacts, the resolution authorizes the provincial government to utilize calamity funds for immediate interventions, including implementing price control measures to stabilize the cost of goods and services; providing assistance to affected sectors, particularly those in trade and logistics; and undertaking immediate repairs and enhancing alternative transportation routes.
“The PDRRMC has assessed the situation and recommended the declaration of a state of calamity to address the economic and logistical challenges resulting from the restricted use and access to the bridge,” part of the resolution passed unanimously by the members of the provincial board, reads.
“Declaring a state of calamity will enable the Provincial Government to implement measures to stabilize prices of goods and essential commodities, ensure the uninterrupted delivery of goods and services, and mobilize resources to mitigate the adverse effects of the incident,” the resolution added.
The resolution also requests support from national government agencies, including the DPWH and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to address both the structural issues and the broader economic consequences.
Recommendations from the DPWH include major repairs or replacements of damaged bridge components and the use of barges to transport heavy cargo.
Last Dec.23, a viral video showing the bridge, also known as Imelda Bridge named after former first lady Imelda Marcos, ‘swaying’ or waving.
Structural defects have been identified in the Biliran Bridge following a condition inspection conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways-Biliran District Engineering Office (DPWH-BDEO).
This prompted for the regional DPWH office to conduct an inspection the following day or on Dec.24, which revealed defective components under the bridge’s deck slab, including issues with the bridge stringers, steel cross bracing, and built-up sections on span 4.
Also, loose nuts and bolts were discovered in the same span during the inspection.
These structural flaws have been linked to a phenomenon known as aero-dynamic flutter, potentially caused by the resonance between gusty wind frequencies and the combined forces acting on the bridge, such as moving loads, wind pressure, and the bridge’s own weight, it added.
Biliran District Engineering Office officer-in-charge District Engineer Irwin Antonio said that the deterioration of the bridge’s stiffness is largely attributed to its age and corrosion of steel components due to prolonged exposure to sea breeze.
Despite these issues, the inspection noted that the bridge’s bearing plates remain in fair condition.
To prioritize public safety, DPWH-BDEO has implemented temporary restrictions on heavy vehicles crossing the bridge.
Only vehicles weighing 5 tons or less are permitted to cross, and they must do so one at a time, adhering strictly to the center lane. For heavier cargo trucks transporting essential goods, perishable items, and fuel, the use of barge transportation has been advised.
ROEL T. AMAZONA/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA
