DPWH opens Otis Bridge

MANILA, Philippines — Just in time for the Christmas rush, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) yesterday opened the newly reconstructed 172-meter Otis Bridge in Manila two months ahead of schedule.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said that with the opening of Otis Bridge, they would be able to decongest the vehicular traffic along nearby roads such as Osmeña Highway and Quirino Avenue.

This would also help decongest traffic in adjacent cities since Manila serves as a conduit for Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Caloocan, said Mikunug Macud, DPWH South Manila District Engineering Office head.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that around 4,000 vehicles pass through Otis Bridge each day.

Leoncio Construction and Trading, the contractor hired by DPWH, replaced the 50-year-old bridge after a 6.10-meter crack appeared near the center island due to the overloaded trucks passing through the bridge.

The project, which started on June 28, was supposed to be completed on Feb. 22, 2019.

Villar said while they hastened the completion of the P33.58-million bridge, the structure is strong.

“We placed 16 bored piles and infused new technology to make it very resilient,” he said, adding that the bridge can stand earthquakes of up to magnitude 7 to 8.

The DPWH clarified that while the bridge is open, only light vehicles will be allowed to pass through the bridge for the next two weeks until the curing period is completed.

The agency said the bridge has a load limit of 20 tons.