Japanese innovations will improve the reliability of a new inter-island bridge planned for the eastern Philippines.
Construction will start on the US$340 million Second San Juanico Bridge (SSJB) in 2029, according to the regional development council.
The two-lane steel arch bridge will have truss elements in its main span. It will connect Tacloban City to the island of Samar and it will be sited close to the existing bridge.
The project will be funded by a loan from the Japanese development agency JICA to the tune of US$284 million, with the Philippine government paying the rest. The project scope includes construction of the bridge and approach roads as well as operations and maintenance facilities.
Innovations in the steel used in the SSJB will extend paint life to improve durability and reduce maintenance. The project will also utilise composite slab technology to reduce construction time and the bridge will have seismic isolation bearings.
The existing bridge will be inspected and assessed during the design phase and urgent repairs will be prioritised according to what the consultant recommends.
