30-Ton Vehicles Cleared for San Juanico Bridge, But Only at Night

TACLOBAN CITY — The iconic San Juanico Bridge is set to enter a new phase of logistical operations starting December 17, as authorities officially permit 30-ton heavy vehicles to traverse the span for the first time after renovation under a highly controlled environment.

However, the transition to heavier loads will not be as seamless as some in the transport sector had hoped, as daytime access remains strictly prohibited.

According to the newly released “San Juanico Bridge Heavy Vehicle Transit Protocols,” trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 30 tons will be granted passage exclusively during a designated nighttime window from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM. To ensure the structural integrity of the bridge and the safety of all motorists, these crossings will be conducted on a one-way basis at a time.

While the opening of the bridge to heavier cargo represents a significant shift, the announcement comes with a notable setback for logistics planning. A previously scheduled dry run for daytime transit, which was set for December 18, 2025, has been officially postponed.

Authorities cited the need for “further consultation” before allowing 30-tonners to share the bridge with the high volume of traffic typical of daylight hours. Consequently, heavy vehicle operators must adjust their schedules to fit the narrow seven-hour nocturnal window.

Safety remains the paramount concern for the transit of these 30-ton vehicles. Drivers must adhere to a strict speed limit of 30 km/h and maintain a minimum distance of at least 40 meters between vehicles to prevent excessive stress on the bridge’s frame.