MMDA approves one-month total closure of Ayala Bridge in Manila

Ayala Bridge in Manila (Norman P. Aquino / Wikimapia)

MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday gave the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) the go-signal to proceed with the rehabilitation work on Ayala Bridge in Manila starting March 21.

According to MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, he approved the month-long total closure of the Ayala Bridge to last until April 21, as requested by DPWH, because it is rushing to complete the repair of the bridge in time for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

“I am appealing to the motorists for patience.

They should avoid the area as much as possible and take alternate routes instead,” Tolentino said.

Areas expected to be affected by the closure of the bridge include major thoroughfares such as Quezon Boulevard, United Nations Avenue, Taft Avenue, Legarda, Quirino, Recto, Magsaysay, and Roxas Boulevard.

The possible alternative route could be Quezon Bridge but the detailed rerouting plan has not yet been released by the agency.

Tolentino earlier said that the bridge will be elevated for 1.75 meters to give more space for passing barges along the Pasig River as these would repeatedly hit the posts of the bridge noting that it’s structural integrity is already weak.

The rehabilitation and repair of the bridge started in May last year and is expected to be completed by July.