The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 1st Leyte District Engineering Office has imposed a load restriction on the Sapiniton Bridge in San Miguel, Leyte, due to safety concerns.
Effective immediately, vehicles weighing over 15 tons are prohibited from crossing the bridge “until further notice.” Only one vehicle at a time may pass, with a speed limit of 20 kilometers per hour.
The DPWH said the decision was prompted by excessive vibrations and noticeable deck deflection observed on the bridge. “These restrictions are necessary to prevent accidents and further structural damage to the bridge. Public safety remains our utmost priority,” the agency said in a statement.
Located between Barangays Libtong and Bahay, the bridge connects to the town of Babatngon near the San Juanico Bridge. Heavy vehicles are advised to take alternative routes through the nearby towns of Barugo and Sta. Fe.
The DPWH added that monitoring and technical assessments are ongoing to determine the maintenance or repair work needed to restore the bridge’s full operational capacity.