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.

“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.

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.

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

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

“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.

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.