After a Year of Restrictions, Liloan Bridge Fully Reopens With 15-Ton Load Capacity

Posted on July 22, 2026 at 9:08 am

SOUTHERN LEYTE —After more than a year of limited access, the Liloan Steel Bridge in Southern Leyte is now ready to accommodate heavier vehicles following the completion of repair and strengthening works by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The bridge was damaged after a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Southern Leyte on January 23, 2025, prompting the DPWH to impose a 5-ton load limit to protect motorists and prevent further damage while repairs were being carried out.

The restriction affected the movement of buses, cargo trucks, and other heavy vehicles traveling through one of the important routes connecting the Visayas and Mindanao.

Following the completion of rehabilitation works, the DPWH has increased the bridge’s load capacity to 15 tons, allowing more vehicles to pass through the structure.

DPWH Eastern Visayas Regional Director Edgar Tabacon said the agency completed the installation of shoring systems and the strengthening of the steel main girder, which helped restore the bridge’s capacity and improve its safety.

The P80-million project included retrofitting and reinforcement works aimed at extending the service life of the bridge and ensuring safer travel for motorists.

The Liloan Bridge is a key part of the Eastern Nautical Highway, which connects Southern Leyte to San Ricardo Port and the roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) route leading to Lipata Port in Surigao del Norte.

With the restored load limit, transport operators and businesses are expected to benefit from easier movement of goods and passengers, reducing the need for more expensive ferry options and longer detours.

The rehabilitation of the bridge is part of the government’s continuing efforts to repair damaged infrastructure and strengthen vital transportation links across the country.

Photo courtesy: DPWH Regional Office 8