New parallel bridge to connect Biliran and Leyte

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) plans to build a PHP500 million bridge parallel to the aging Biliran Bridge, which links the island province to Leyte island.

The new bridge, according to DPWH Biliran district engineering office director Ferdinand Briones, will be built next to the current Biliran Bridge. Heavy trucks can no longer use the old bridge, which was engineered and completed in 1976.

“The redundant structure such as parallel or twin bridge will not only provide an alternate route but also augment the carrying capacity by effectively adding more tonnage and lanes for traffic,” Briones said in a statement.

The PHP500 million cost of the current bridge is already budgeted for in 2022.

On March 25, the DPWH main office’s Bridges Management Cluster – Unified Project Management Office validated the planned bridge’s location.

The Biliran Bridge is regarded as a vital connection not only between the province and neighboring Leyte, but also between the province and the rest of the region.

Photo credit: Biliran Island. The existing Biliran Bridge.