Ayala Bridge closed anew to motorists

MANILA, Philippines - The Ayala Bridge was closed anew to motorists yesterday afternoon.

Alfred Gaugfermau, who introduced himself as a French project engineer, told The STAR “they were going to do a major reconstruction under the bridge.”

Gaugfermau refused to elaborate, saying the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) would later issue a statement on the matter.

Earlier reports said that a large crack was found under the bridge, causing it to sag.

A safety officer, who requested anonymity, said there was no truth to the report.

Project contractors Frey-Fil Corp. and EEI Corp. said the bridge would be closed to vehicular traffic for two weeks.

The structure was raised by 70 centimeters to protect the bridge from vessels passing the Pasig River.

The DPWH rehabilitated the bridge so it could withstand earthquakes. 

The Ayala Bridge underwent major rehabilitation in 1957. It was closed to traffic on March 21 to give way to repairs.

It was reopened to light vehicles in July.

Around 35,000 vehicles pass through the bridge everyday.