The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted a follow-up fact-finding mission for the Second San Juanico Bridge.
Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said the bridge will complement major road projects in Eastern Visayas, including the 233-kilometer Samar section of the Samar-Agusan Daang Maharlika Road and the 15-kilometer Samar Pacific Coastal Road Phase II
The bullet points being discussed were as follows:
- Follow-up fact-finding mission by DPWH and JICA held Sept. 23–26, 2025.
- Two-lane, 2,610.6-meter bridge linking Tacloban City, Leyte, and Santa Rita, Samar.
- Features 320-meter steel arch, AASHTO girder spans, deep-water foundations, seismic isolation bearings, aluminum guardrails, and composite slabs.
- Estimated cost: ₱20.282 billion, including ₱81.226 million for right-of-way.
- Expected to carry over 15,000 vehicles daily, reducing congestion on the existing San Juanico Bridge.
- Feasibility study covers 47,588 sq. m. of land affecting 15 households, with resettlement and livelihood plans.
- Detailed engineering design: 15 months; construction: 30 months; completion targeted by December 2030.
- Repairs to the existing San Juanico Bridge included to maintain safety and traffic flow
The project began with an initial meeting on Sept. 23, and the second fact-finding mission concluded on Sept. 26.
Planned as a two-lane, 2,610.6-meter structure, the bridge will connect Brgy. 105 (San Isidro/Suhi), Tacloban City, and Brgy. San Juan, Santa Rita, Samar.
It will feature a 320-meter steel arch main span, AASHTO girder approach spans, deep-water foundations, seismic isolation bearings, aluminum guardrails, composite slabs, and long-life painted steel designed to withstand ship impacts and natural hazards.
The bridge is estimated at ₱20.282 billion, including ₱81.226 million for right-of-way acquisition, and is projected to carry over 15,000 vehicles daily.
It is expected to reduce congestion on the existing San Juanico Bridge while accommodating growing traffic between Samar and Leyte.
The feasibility study, launched in October 2023 and set for completion this September, covers the acquisition of 47,588 square meters of land affecting 15 households and includes a Right-of-Way Action Plan addressing resettlement, grievance redress, and livelihood restoration.
DPWH will submit the feasibility study to the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) ahead of the JICA loan appraisal and Environmental Compliance Certificate approval, both expected in October 2025, with loan signing targeted for February 2026.
Detailed engineering design will take 15 months, followed by 30 months of construction, aiming for project completion by December 2030.
Repair works on the existing San Juanico Bridge are integrated into the design to maintain safety and traffic flow during construction.
In a related development, the Tacloban City Development Council (CDC) has formally endorsed the construction of the Second San Juanico Bridge project during its 2nd CDC meeting on August 8, 2025, at Pacific Point Events Place, San Jose, Tacloban City. (EVC Hub Digital News Director)
Photos of Second San Juanico Bridge Construction Project can be viewed in the Eastern Visayas Gallery. Please click here to view some photos.
