San Juanico Bridge Restricts Vehicle Weight Amid Repairs

If you’ve ever travelled between Samar and Leyte, chances are you’ve crossed the iconic San Juanico Bridge. It’s that long, elegant stretch of road with a killer view of the sea and the title of being the longest bridge in the Philippines that spans a body of water. But if you’re planning to head that way soon, here’s something you need to know: the bridge is now under a strict weight limit.

Why the weight limit was imposed

Image credit: Oscar Rasson | wikimedia commons

Starting May 14, 2025, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) rolled out a new rule that only vehicles weighing three metric tons or less can pass through the San Juanico Bridge. The reason? The bridge is due for some serious TLC.

After a detailed inspection, the DPWH found that all 42 spans of the 2.16-kilometre bridge are showing signs of structural damage. Think corrosion, weakened beams, and parts that are no longer strong enough to support the usual traffic load. To avoid risking safety, they’ve enforced the restriction while planning a full-blown rehabilitation.

What’s changing for travellers

Image credit: Jooo.c | wikimedia commons

So, what does this mean for you if you’re travelling in the area? For starters, if you’re in a car or a van that falls under the weight limit, you can still cross—but you’ll have to drive along the centreline of the bridge. This small detail helps reduce pressure on the bridge’s outer sides, which are currently in bad shape.

Heavier vehicles like buses and trucks are now barred from crossing. This has already led to some serious traffic build-up. In some cases, passengers from large vehicles have had to get off and walk across the bridge. Not ideal, but necessary for now.

To help ease the congestion, the DPWH deployed six light vehicles to shuttle commuters across. Tacloban City has also stepped in with additional transport assistance to support stranded passengers.

Alternative ways to move goods and supplies

If you’re thinking about how this affects delivery trucks and cargo—especially for essential items like food and supplies—the government has already activated barge services. These are currently running between Basey (Samar) and Tacloban Port, with other routes through nearby ports being considered too. It’s not as fast as road travel, but it’s a good temporary solution while the bridge is under stress.

What businesses are saying

Naturally, this situation has caught the attention of business owners and industry groups. Wilson Uy, president of the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, voiced concerns about the rising costs of transportation and the potential for supply chain delays. Many are urging the government to fast-track the repairs to avoid a ripple effect on the local economy.

Repair plans: what to expect

According to the DPWH, the total cost to repair and reinforce the San Juanico Bridge is expected to hit around ₱900 million. The project could take up to two years to complete, depending on how quickly the funds are made available. It’s a long timeline, but one that’s necessary to preserve the safety and functionality of one of the country’s most important pieces of infrastructure.

Travel tip: slow down and take it in

If you’re headed to Samar or Leyte soon, this might change your plans a bit—but not necessarily in a bad way. Walking across the San Juanico Bridge gives you a rare chance to see it up close and take in the stunning views. Sometimes, travel detours lead to the most memorable moments.

So pack a little extra patience, double-check your routes, and keep an eye out for more updates. This bridge has been standing strong since 1973, and with a little care and attention, it’s going to keep connecting travellers for many more years to come.