MMDA asks DPWH to defer Dario Bridge repair works

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Wednesday requested the Department of Public Works and Highways to temporarily defer the repair works on Dario bridge in Edsa, Quezon City.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino cited that the DPWH has not trained enough traffic flagmen to assist in traffic management at the area, the lack of traffic directional signage, and  public information campaign.

Dario bridge, located near the Edsa-Congressional Avenue intersection, is set to be repaired starting on Saturday, March 15. The DPWH-Quezon City Engineering District said the foundations of the 60-year-old bridge have weakened.

Tolentino also called on the DPWH to put on hold the scheduled repair and rehabilitation of Magallanes flyover in Makati City.

"We believe it would be better if DPWH will postpone the repair works at Dario bridge because of lack of preparations. We don’t want to cause unnecessary inconvenience to the public if we cannot implement the necessary traffic alleviation measures," he said.

The construction works will require the closure of at least three lanes in the northbound section of Edsa, from the corner of Fema Road to the bridge’s span.

DPWH has advised northbound motorists to take Mindanao Avenue, Congressional Avenue or Mendez Street en route to Quirino Highway as alternative routes.