NO WAY

Pedestrians barred from crossing San Juanico Bridge

- AARON RECUENCO

Pedestrians will no longer be allowed to cross the iconic San Juanico Bridge that connects Samar and Leyte following concerns on its structural integrity based on recent assessments by experts, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said on Sunday, May 18.

Instead, OCD Executive Director Ariel Nepomuceno said coasters and light vehicles will ferry passengers across to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

Nepomuceno said the ban on pedestrians crossing the bridge is just one of the many measures that will be implemented starting May 18 in order to ensure the safety of everybody while the national government is initiating moves to address the problem.

"We ask everyone to understand and work with us. Our top priority is the safety of travelers and residents. We will lift these restrictions only when we are fully confident that the bridge's structural integrity is secure," said Nepomuceno.

The national government earlier imposed a three-ton limit at the San Juanico Bridge over concerns of its structural integrity following the recent assessment by engineers and experts.