The famed San Juanico Bridge that connects the islands of Leyte and Samar is undergoing a multi-million rehabilitation to maintain its structural integrity.
 
Public Works Region-8 Regional Director Allan Borromeo reported to Secretary Manuel Bonoan that the rehabilitation works, which cost P84.7 million, involve tightening high-tension bolts and painting works on structural steel.
 
Borromeo said that a major repair is necessary to ensure the safety of motorists and other daily road users, given that the bridge is nearly 50 years old.
 
The bridge's construction started in 1969 and was opened to the public in 1972 during the administration of the strongman late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr.
 
The DPWH Bureau of Design and Bureau of Research and Standards had earlier conducted an evaluation that involved non-destructive testing (NDT) for detailed bridge conditions, corrosion inspection, and monitoring of bridge steel members.
 
“NDT testing is done to check the compressive strength and other properties of concrete from the existing structure, establish baseline structural condition, and to identify any existing problem that may cause problems in the future,” said Borromeo.
 
According to the DPWH, the rehabilitation works are expected to be completed by December this year.