San Juanico Bridge remains safe despite sustaining minor cracks from Aug 31 quake

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
September 9, 2012

GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte  –  The San Juanico Bridge which connects Leyte and Samar provinces remains to be safe despite sustaining shallow cracks on some of its piers, Department of Public Works and Highways Region 8 Director Rolando Asis informed.

The damage sustained by the San Juanico Bridge is minor and must not cause any alarm on the commuting public, Director Asis told the local media during the Harampang at PIA held at the PIA Regional Office here, recently.

“Our motorists have nothing to worry about. The bridge is okay and remains passable,” Director Asis said.

Director Asis disclosed that he has already created a team that will thoroughly look into the piers or columns of the bridge so these could be fixed immediately considering its importance in the transportation system not only in the region but in the entire country.

“We have noticed some cracks at the three piers or columns of the San Juanico Bridge which could be due to the earthquake. But these damages are not alarming as these could be fixed immediately,” Director Asis said.

A DPWH team conducted a rapid assessment on the San Juanico Bridge the day following the earthquake and the team reported that no damage to the structure was observed.

Based on the DPWH inspection, pier 5, 33 and 34 sustained “minor cracks” which could be the result of the earthquake. Pier 5 is located at the Leyte side while piers 33 and 34 are located at the Samar side, Director Asis explained.

It may be recalled that the entire region and some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao was jolted by a strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake last August 31 which also caused minor damages to various public infrastructures in Eastern Visayas.

San Juanico Bridge which is a major landmark in the Region, spans 2.1 kilometers, has more than 50 piers and is considered to be a vital installation in the region.