MMDA: DPWH should construct temporary bridge before rehabilitating Sucat Interchange

MMDA / mmda.gov.ph

MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Sunday recommended to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) the construction of a temporary bridge before rehabilitating the Sucat Interchange in Parañaque City.

“Kailangan ng proper planning. Baka puwedeng maglagay muna sila ng temporary bridge na madadaanan ng mga sasakyan bago nila gibain ‘yung daan,” Neomie Recio, MMDA traffic engineering head said, during the weekly agency radio program.

Under the plan, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that handles the project will close the east-bound lane of the Sucat Interchange Bridge.

This is to make way for the repair and rehabilitation of the bridge which will last for 45 days.

The repair was supposed to start last Saturday but was put on hold after the MMDA found out that there was no traffic management plan.

Recio said the DPWH should also present traffic management plans, alternate routes, and street signs to the MMDA before repairing the bridge

“There was no traffic management plan, no identified alternate routes, no signages to inform and guide the motorists,” Recio added.

However, Recio said the Sucat Interchange rehabilitation will pushed through only after proper planning is done.

“The rehabilitation of the Sucat Interchange would push through but there must be a proper planning. It still have to undergo consultation with the public and the affected local government units before it starts,” said Recio.

Earlier, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the repairs of the bridge will cause heavy traffic along the stretch of Dr. A. Santos Avenue (Sucat Road) and affect those going to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

It added the areas in Parañaque that will be severely affected by the bridge closure is the entire stretch of Dr. A. Santos Avenue (Sucat Road) as well as the East and West Service Roads of the South Luzon Expressway in both the Parañaque and Muntinlupa sides.