A Japanese government funded bridge is eyed to be constructed near the 2.16 kilometer San Juanico Bridge, which stretches from Samar to Leyte, following the need of the 52-year old bridge for major rehabilitation and retrofitting, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Monday.

"It was opened in 1973 and it is really due for major rehabilitation or retrofitting and this is the reason why we have planned ... to construct another bridge nearby the existing San Juanico Bridge. This will be financed by (the) official development assistance from the Japanese government", Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan told The Big Story.

Bonoan said an engineering design of the new bridge being done and might take "another three to four years" upon completion.

"The plan actually is, once this new bridge will be constructed, then that will be the time that we would undertake major rehabilitation work on the existing San Juanico Bridge", Bonoan added.

However, Bonoan said that they have to undertake immediate retrofitting of the bridge due to the weakened structure on the three segments due to the corroded steel plates and bolts.

"Findings from the preliminary assessment showed defects already on some of the segments on the approaches from Tacloban and on the Samar side as well", Bonoan added.

Bonoan said that the amount of the rehabilitation of the bridge is around P800 billion.

In an advisory on May 15, the DPWH Regional Office VIII announced that only four-wheeled or small vehicles that weights three metric tons and below are allowed to cross the bridge "following the recent assessment revealing concerns on the San Juanico Bridge's structural integrity".

"Those traversing the bridge must use the centerline, proceeding ONE AT A TIME, and should follow all on-site traffic directions", it added.

Citing the information from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government will provide alternatives to those who regularly pass through the 2.16-kilomete bridge connecting the island provinces of Leyte and Samar.

"There will be 13 shuttle buses, 24/7 service for the people, who will be affected since only light vehicles can use it," she said.

She saod DPWH is coordinating with concerned local government units (LGU) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to ferry buses and passengers who will be affected by the rehabilitation.

DPWH started the two-year rehabilitation of the bridge on May 15. While it is being rehabilitated, vehicles weighing more than three-tons are prohibited from passing the bridge.

Vehicles, which will be heavier than the weight limit will be transported between Leyte and Samar. Marie Manalili/DMS