MMDA insists: No redesign of controversial QC footbridge

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will not change the design of the controversial footbridge in Quezon City unless safety concerns arise.

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MMDA’s Operations Commander Bong Nebrija said on Tuesday that the agency could not easily change the structure of the bridge, given that a clearance had been issued by the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) before the construction.

“Sa technical working group, if they find na it is unfavorable or there are other issues [during a safety check], ico-consider nila,” Nebrija said in a phone interview with INQUIRER.net

(The technical working group would consider changes if they find unfavorable issues with the design.)

Nebrija was reacting to the public criticism of the height of the footbridge. He asserted that the design was for the safety of the public that would use the overpass and those taking the MRT-3.

“If you’re talking na bababaan namin, we’re not. Sabi ko nga sa inyo, that’s a clearance eh (If you think we are going to lower that, no. That’s the clearance),” he added, referring to the 10-meter high overpass constructed in Kamuning, Quezon City.

Nebrija is referring to the clearance issued by the MRT-3 management, which states that the bridge should be built at least four meters above power lines.

He explained that if the footbridge is built below three meters, an accident may happen due to the “pressure differential” of the train.

“Kung masyadong mababa, anything on top of the train — kahoy, bakal, kalat, or bato — pag dumaan yung train, hihigupin nya iyan (If it is too low, anything on top of the train — wood, steel, debris or stones — may be picked up by the train),” he explained, adding that people crossing the bridge may be also involved in accidents.

“Gusto ba nating mahigop sa train habang tumatawid diyan or what? Magandang tingnan dahil mababa pero unsafe o mataas pero safe? Safety tayo,” he said.

(Do we want people to meet accidents while crossing the bridge? If it is lower, it may be good to look at, but it is safer if it is built higher.) /ee