Tomas Claudio Bridge in Pandacan closed to traffic starting Aug. 3

SHUTTERED Tomas Claudio Bridge will be closed to give way to the construction of the Skyway Stage 3 Elevated Expressway Project. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Construction of a new expressway in Manila would affect around 12,000 vehicles using a major bridge in Pandacan that would be closed beginning on Saturday.

Jojo Garcia, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager, said that Tomas Claudio bridge would be closed for six months starting at 10 p.m. on Aug. 3 to make way for the construction of the Skyway Stage 3 Elevated Expressway Project.

Garcia also banned parking in the area 24/7 for the duration of the project, warning that violators would have their vehicles towed.

Light vehicles only

Portions of the bridge on the northbound and southbound lanes from Valenzuela Street to Beata Street would remain open, but only for light vehicles and residents in the area.

Trucks, trailers and other heavy vehicles going in and out of Beata Street should take Jesus Street, then Quirino Avenue, Garcia said.

Vehicles coming from South Luzon Expressway, Roxas Boulevard and Quirino Avenue must take East Zamora, straight to Labores Street, turn right on Jesus Street and Laura Street, then left on Jacinto Zamora Bridge to their destination.

Those coming from Old Sta. Mesa and Jacinto-Zamora Bridge can make a counterflow at the new open median island then turn left on Beata Street toward their destination.