DPWH urged: Reset Ayala Bridge closure

MANILA, Philippines - Saying that it could trigger a massive traffic jam in Manila’s university belt area, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday appealed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to reset the total closure of Ayala Bridge during the summer break.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the DPWH plans to close the structure to vehicular traffic for three months, starting on March 2 or March 4. This would allow the DPWH to raise the bridge by .7 meters and repair the bridge’s posts, which have been repeatedly hit by barges passing through Pasig River.

“The bridge’s structural integrity is weak,” he said over radio dzMM. “Once the repairs are done, the bridge would be good for 20 more years.”

He said there is a need to discuss the planned bridge closure further, particularly with the city government, as it would isolate Manila’s university belt area and leave no other immediate alternate route other than through Quezon Bridge.

According to the MMDA, Ayala Bridge’s closure would affect Quezon Boulevard, United Nations Avenue, Taft Avenue, Quirino Avenue, Legarda street, Magsaysay street, Recto Avenue and Roxas Boulevard.