Samar: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced on Monday a 15-ton load restriction on the Calbiga Bridge along the Maharlika Highway in Samar province, effective Oct. 27, 2025. The DPWH said the restriction is a proactive safety measure following a recent technical and load rating assessment that revealed the bridge is exhibiting signs of structural deterioration and has a reduced load-carrying capacity.

According to Philippines News Agency, this damage is attributed to long-term service and repeated instances of overloading. The bridge, which was built more than 50 years ago, is within the country's major highway that links the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. The imposition of the weight limit is crucial for public safety. Its purpose is to protect lives, prevent possible bridge failure, and sustain safe connectivity along the Maharlika Highway, the DPWH stated.

The DPWH has appealed for the public's cooperation and understanding as the agency works to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge. Motorists are advised to take a longer route from San Juanico Bridge, traversing Samar and Eastern Samar towns, to get to Catbalogan City, the capital of Samar province. There are also regular roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) trips for big trucks from Ormoc City in Leyte to Calbayog City in Samar. These new RoRo routes opened in May this year following the load limit restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge.

No DPWH official in the region was available for an interview about rehabilitation plans for the bridge.