The current San Juanico bridge when completed was at the time quite an engineering feat, It was also considered the longest bridge in the country for quite some time.
2nd San Juanico Bridge Plans
It seems though that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has other plans. The infrastructure agency is thinking of building a second bridge.
It was recently shared by the DPWH that they are planning to build a second bridge connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte. An initial feasibility study was recently completed, and it has also passed the 10% economic internal rate of return set by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
It is also believed that the total cost estimate for the second San Juanico Bridge is an eye-watering PHP 9.17 Billion. The DPWH along with its partner Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) says that the budget will be used for the construction of the bridge superstructure, substructure, embankment, and concrete girders, not to mention the relocation of power lines.
The second bridge will stretch 1.24km and will connect Guintigui-an in Babatngon, Leyte to San Pascual in Sta. Rita, Samar.
What do you guys think? Should they really build another San Juanico Bridge? or reallocate the budget for other transportation projects?