Repairs to the Biliran Bridge have started after structural defects found late last year limited loads to five tonnes.
The nearly US$500,000 project involves the replacement of corroded bolts, steel members and steel plates, damaged expansion joints and replacement of other damaged major bridge components.
Repair work is expected to be completed by June.
The 150m-long Biliran Bridge, which connects the islands of Biliran and Leyte, was opened in 1975. The central span, held in place by an arched steel structure, hovers above a short and narrow channel of water about 40m wide at low tide.
A report by the Philippine News Agency in early January said talks about building an alternative parallel bridge had been revived after online videos showed that the old bridge was swaying.
