Liloan Bridge Closed After Earthquake, PHP5.5B Replacement Needed
Southern Leyte‘s Liloan Bridge Shut Down After 5.8 Magnitude Quake
TACLOBAN CITY – The magnitude 5.8 earthquake that rocked the region has led the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to impose load limits on Liloan Bridge, a critical link between Luzon and Mindanao. The bridge, located in Southern Leyte, was left with a space gap in its steel expansion joint due to the ground shaking, prompting the closure of one side to vehicles exceeding 10 tons.
"The bridge needs immediate rehabilitation to ensure safety," said Lord Byron Torrecarion, Office of Civil Defense Regional Director, in a press briefing. Representatives are now planning to replace the existing 47-year-old bridge with a new one. DBM estimates the construction cost at PHP5.5 billion.
The proposed bridge project includes a 230-meter cable-stayed main bridge, a 146-meter approach bridge, and a 345-meter approach road. It connects Panaon Island to Leyte Island, serving the vital Liloan and Benit ports along the way.
Not only the bridge but also nine road sections within the national highway in Liloan, San Francisco, and San Ricardo have been affected, with reports of rockfall and cracks leading to limited access.
The earthquake struck 10.01 km southeast of San Francisco municipality, at a depth of 14 km, on Thursday morning.
The 5.8 magnitude earthquake highlighted the importance of infrastructure resilience in earthquake-prone regions. The Liloan Bridge closure underscores the need for continued investment in bridge safety and upgrades to withstand seismic activity. Before long, a modern, improved bridge will connect Panaon and leyte islands, providing a vital link for transportation and economic activity.
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FAQ
What caused the closure of Liloan Bridge?
A 5.8 magnitude earthquake caused a gap in the bridge’s steel expansion joint, prompting closure.
What are the plans for Liloan Bridge?
The existing bridge will be replaced with a new cable-stayed bridge with a total project cost of PHP5.5 billion.
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Conclusion
While the recent 5.8 magnitude earthquake has caused immediate disruption to travel and daily life in Southern Leyte, particularly with the closure of the vital Liloan Bridge, it’s importent to remember the resilience of the community.Local authorities, alongside national agencies, are swiftly working to assess damages, ensure public safety, and restore essential infrastructure. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity, highlighting the importance of robust disaster preparedness and continuous investment in earthquake-resistant infrastructure. As Southern Leyte recovers,the outpouring of support from neighboring provinces and national organizations underscores the strong sense of solidarity that binds Filipinos together in the face of adversity.