The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently announced several road closures around the metro to give way for much needed repairs. With road closures come traffic, so better keep an eye on these closures to better plan your everyday transit.
Old Sta. Mesa Bridge
The bridge that connects the cities of Manila and San Juan was shut down last week and will be demolished due to the Skyway Stage 3 project. MMDA task force operations head Bong Nebrija said that the bridge will be closed for seven months. At least 8,000 motorists are expected to be affected by the bridge’s closure.
Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge
The Estrella-Pantaleon aka Rockwell Bridge will be shut down for 30 months starting on September 26 or 29 to give way for repairs and updates. The 9-year old bridge will be demolished to update it to four lanes. An average of 100,000 motorists traverses the said bridge, so expect an even heavier traffic on your way to Makati or Mandaluyong.
Skyway, SLEX (Partial Closure)
Flying out of the country? Better take note of Skyway’s recent traffic scheme announcement. The stop-and-go traffic scheme will be implemented starting September 29 up until November 22. This is to give way to the on-going construction of the Circumferential Road 5 (C5) South Link Expressway, which will connect the existing C5 road to the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX) upon completion. The traffic scheme will run daily from 10PM to 4AM with 15 minute intervals.
Mabini Bridge
The Mabini Bridge and Nagtahan Flyover will have a road reconstruction as new asphalt overlay and electrical works per lane will be done to the said thoroughfares over the next few months. The road closure will start on 11PM Saturday and will end on 5AM Sunday. Suggested alternatives include the Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard and Legarda St.
Nagtahan Flyover
As with the Mabini Bridge, the Nagtahan Flyover will also undergo repair works that will last for four months. Motorists are advised to take alternative routes in the following months, as traffic during ‘ber’ months is usually heavier.
Otis Bridge
Last June, the DPWH ordered the closure of the Otis Bridge due to its deteriorating and unsafe status. The 50-year old bridge is long overdue for a replacement as 6,000 trucks pass by the bridge on a daily basis, collapsing its already weak girder. The repair of the bridge will take at least nine months up to a year. Motorists coming from the South may instead turn right on Zamora Street then left to Quirino Extension, meanwhile motorists coming from the East of UN may turn right to Quirino then to Dilao.
Concordia Bridge
Another part of the Build Build Build projects, the MMDA announced the closure of Concordia Bridge last May due to safety issues and construction work. The bridge reconstruction will last for eight months, alternately closing either lane. With the on-going construction of the Skyway Stage 3 project and the additional closure of the Concrodia Bridge, expect the increase of the heavy traffic by 20%.
Tripa de Gallina Bridge
The DPWH announced the closure of the 50-year old, 8-lane bridge at the end of August due to its much needed reconstruction. One of the weak bridges in Manila, reconstructions on the bridge started on the two inner lanes, with the remaining 2 outer lanes open and passable. Only the southbound lanes are to be reconstructed, as the opposite lanes are still in good condition. The updated bridge is said to be ‘seismic-resistant’ that can handle acceleration ranging from 7 to 8 magnitudes.
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