To be over by June this year
TACLOBAN CITY – The repair of the Biliran Bridge has officially commenced, according to OIC-District Engineer Irwin Antonio of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Biliran District Engineering Office (BDEO).
The P28.9 million budget for the project, requested by BDEO, has been downloaded by the DPWH central office following damage assessments conducted in December 2024.
The repairs include replacing corroded bolts, steel members, steel plates, damaged expansion joints with a finger-type expansion joint, and other critical bridge components.
Experts from BDEO and the regional office identified damages beneath the deck slab, particularly on the bridge stringers, steel cross bracing, and loose nuts and bolts at spans 1 and 4.
Antonio confirmed that the contractor, engaged via negotiated procurement, began deploying manpower and materials on February 8 after receiving the notice to proceed (NTP).
The repair is expected to be completed by June 2025.
Antonio assured the public that the bridge will remain open throughout the repairs. However, only vehicles weighing five tons and below are allowed to pass, while heavier vehicles are being transported via barge.
Built in 1976, Biliran Bridge serves as the sole land access connecting Biliran province to Leyte.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
