Manila, May 2 -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced on Friday the closure of a vital bridge in Palo, Leyte for its month-long rehabilitation beginning May 5.

The 54-meter Bernard Reed Bridge is not passable until June 5 as the DPWH implements a PHP9.64 million major repair project.

"The DPWH regional office extends our sincere apologies for this inconvenience as this project is a part of their commitment in ensuring safer, stronger, and more reliable infrastructure for everyone," the agency said in a statement.

The structure is within the primary arterial road in Leyte that connects Luzon and Mindanao. The bridge was part of the route during Pope Francis' visit to Leyte on Jan. 17, 2015.

With the closure, wes...