Detour plan for Tullahan Bridge closure finalized

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), one of the lead government agencies involved in the Tullahan Bridge reconstruction project, said yesterday that it has finally finalized the detour plan for the bridge’s total closure next week.

Allan Borbe, MMDA-Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) traffic officer, said that in yesterday’s trial run they created a U-turn slot exclusively for light public utility vehicles (PUVs) on both sides of the bridge.

Commuter vehicles from Valenzuela City can make a U-turn on the north side of the bridge for a return trip while those from Monumento in Caloocan City can take a U-turn on the south side.

"It’s like cutting a trip and passengers can cross the bridge for another ride on the other side of the bridge," Borbe explained.

The MMDA official said only light private vehicles are allowed in the inner detour roads and this is expected to greatly ease the volume of vehicles passing the narrow alternate routes.

During the dry run last week, there was a massive traffic jam created along alternate routes, forcing authorities to re-open the Tullahan Bridge after a few hours.

"Slight problems occur, especially on M.H. del Pilar street in Malabon, which is also undergoing construction, but traffic is moving," Borbe said.

Engineer Ed Santos of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), another lead implementing agency for the Tullahan Bridge project, said the construction of two footbridges on both sides of the Tullahan Bridge started yesterday.

The DPWH said trucks and buses could use the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) as an alternative route.

The project’s contractor was given 150 days or until August to finish the project.

Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian also assured the public that the city government is doing its best to come up with the best solution to the traffic problem. – With Jerry Botial