TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Philippines — The swaying of the Biliran Bridge is normal, even as videos that have gone viral have drawn concern on the structure’s safety, the Department of Public Works and Highways has clarified.
DPWH district engineer Irwin Antonio said the movement was most likely caused by strong winds exerting aerodynamic pressure on the bridge’s steel components.
The bridge connects Biliran island province to mainland Leyte.
Antonio said the swaying movement is a natural characteristic of steel bridges, which are designed to flex and respond to external forces, including wind.
He cited the San Juanico, Calbiga and Liloan bridges as examples of similar structures that may exhibit movement even without passing vehicles.
“Based on our inspections, I would say that the bridge is structurally sound and in fair condition,” Antonio said, noting that the bridge is about 50 years old.
On Thursday, DPWH-Biliran district engineers conducted an assessment of the condition of the bridge and checked its structural components.
The engineers found some movement in the components that underwent repairs after a similar incident on Dec. 23, 2024.
Antonio said the findings showed that the repair measures were functioning as intended, adding that the installation of a finger-type expansion joint and the provision of a gap between bridge components allows for controlled movement, which is part of the bridge’s design.
He stressed, however, that continued maintenance and strict compliance with traffic restrictions are necessary due to the age and condition of the bridge.
Antonio urged the public not to immediately interpret the observed swaying as evidence that the bridge is damaged.