A Major Improvement for Southern Leyte's Transportation Network
LEYTE - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has officially increased the load limit of the Liloan Bridge in Southern Leyte from five tons to 15 tons after successfully completing extensive rehabilitation and strengthening works. The improvement comes more than a year after motorists, commuters, and freight operators experienced travel disruptions due to structural damage that required strict vehicle restrictions. With the bridge now capable of safely accommodating heavier vehicles and two-way traffic, transportation across one of the region's most important road links has significantly improved. The rehabilitation reflects the government's continued investment in maintaining safe and reliable infrastructure throughout Eastern Visayas.
Strengthening a Vital Link Between the Visayas and Mindanao
The PHP80-million rehabilitation project included the installation of a shoring system and the strengthening of the bridge's steel main girders, greatly improving its structural integrity and extending its service life. Located in the municipality of Liloan, the bridge serves as a critical connection to the ports of Liloan and San Ricardo, where roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferry services transport passengers and cargo to Lipata Port in Surigao del Norte. As a key segment of the country's Eastern Nautical Highway, the bridge plays an essential role in facilitating trade, tourism, and the movement of essential goods between the Visayas and Mindanao. The increased load capacity now allows more buses and cargo trucks to travel directly without relying on costlier barging services or longer alternative land routes.
Supporting Economic Growth and Regional Connectivity
The reopening of the bridge to heavier vehicles is expected to bring substantial benefits to businesses, transport operators, and local communities throughout Southern Leyte and neighboring provinces. Faster and more efficient transportation can help reduce logistics costs, improve the delivery of agricultural products and commercial goods, and encourage increased travel across the region. The project also supports tourism by making access to Southern Leyte's attractions more convenient for visitors traveling by land from both the Visayas and Mindanao. As infrastructure continues to improve across Eastern Visayas, projects such as the rehabilitation of the Liloan Bridge demonstrate the importance of investing in resilient transportation networks that promote regional development and strengthen economic opportunities for local communities.
