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| The second San Juanico Bridge is expected to begin construction in 2025. Its completion will likely extend beyond President Marcos Jr.'s term. Photo: DPWH/Facebook |
TACLOBAN CITY —The long-awaited construction of the second San Juanico Bridge, aimed at enhancing connectivity between the islands of Leyte and Samar, is slated to commence in 2025. However, the completion of the project may extend beyond President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s current administration.
Edgar Tabacon, director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for Eastern Visayas, expressed optimism about initiating the civil works within President Marcos Jr.'s term. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the bridge's completion might spill over into the next administration due to the extensive processes involved.
The projected cost of San Juanico Bridge II is approximately P9.17 billion. The national government plans to seek additional funding from a foreign firm to meet the substantial financial requirements. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is currently conducting a feasibility study, considering various factors, including the number of lanes, traffic operations, and the rehabilitation of the existing San Juanico Bridge.
JICA's involvement suggests that Japanese technology will likely be utilized in the construction of the new bridge. Initially, plans were to construct the bridge from Babatngon in Leyte to Sta. Rita in Samar. However, a parallel bridge was deemed more practical due to its shorter span and lower cost.
The new bridge will run parallel to the existing 2.1-kilometer San Juanico Bridge, a landmark inaugurated in 1973 during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. This strategic location ensures access to two-way traffic, sustainability through existing maintenance stations, and proximity to Tacloban, the regional capital of Eastern Visayas.
Cressida Paula Mangaporo, DPWH regional information officer, highlighted three primary reasons for the location change: better traffic management, easier maintenance, and closer proximity to the city. The current bridge, facing aging issues and high maintenance costs, is part of the country's nautical highway connecting Luzon to Mindanao.
JICA's feasibility study includes four on-site visits, and the final report is expected in December 2024. The deteriorating condition of the existing bridge and increasing traffic volumes, projected to reach 10,900 daily by 2030 and 15,900 by 2040, underscore the need for the new bridge. (Source: 1, 2)